Activities of EDC

Activities of EDC

E-commerce Development Center (EDC) is a non-profit trust. Its objective is to conduct research, surveys, promotions, content, documentaries, workshops, seminars, exhibitions and training on local products and e-commerce. EDC has been doing it successfully for the past 2 years. EDC works in collaboration with many universities and public-private institutions. EDC has many achievements in the last 2 years such as 29 Geographical Indication (GI) documentations, establishment of e-commerce clubs in two universities, Digital Poly (Digital Village), Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities (SWAPNO) projects, many seminars and workshops.

In this article we will discover the activity of EDC. Let’s begin.

Success of EDC

Geographical Indication (GI) products

EDC completed 30 documentations, submitted 22 applications, 8 in process and 1 announced.

EDC was established on 6th December 2021 by 5 trustees. After that EDC is moving forward with success. We mention here some success of EDC work. Our latest success story is Geographical Indication (GI) products in Bangladesh.

The journey of Geographical Indication (GI) products in Bangladesh since 2015. Jamdani Sarees received GI status on 17th November 2016 and applied for recognition on 1st October 2015. This is our first GI product in Bangladesh. As on 31 December 2022 we had 11 GI products in the country.

EDC started working on 1st January 2023 to help increase the number of GI products in Bangladesh. Now there are 17 GI products in the country. We have completed 29 documentations for GI products. We have provided that documentation to many stakeholders including many District Commissioners Offices, Producers Association and FAO-Food and Agriculture Organization in the country. Some applications are available in the journal and some applications are processed by our support.

First documentation of Natore’s Kachagolla by EDC. This is the first success story of the trust. Natore’s Kachagolla gained GI status on 8 August 2023.

Digital Polli (Digital Village)

Digital Village (Digital Village) is a government project. The project aims to develop rural businesses in e-commerce. As if village people can do business on the internet and they get service from the internet. This will help boost local employment and the economy. Also, it will help reduce the facility distance between rural and urban areas. The first Digital Poll was held in Saturia upazila of Manikganj district of Dhaka division of Bangladesh. Promotion and documentation partner was EDC.

EDC worked to promote Manikganj’s handloom products on the Internet. About 100 Facebook groups have supported the initiative and more than a thousand posts have been uploaded on Facebook. Many women have bought this saree. EDC conducted 4 online and 4 offline seminars and prepared project final documentation. The project won the “Digital Bangladesh Award 2022” from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 12 December 2022.

SWAPNO projects

1. SWAPNO meaning is Strengthening Women’s Ability for Productive New Opportunities. This is a project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bangladesh. During the months of November and December 2022, we stayed in Jamalpur and Kurigram to talk to and visit project beneficiaries. Then we prepare a final report and hand it over to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Bangladesh. We spoke to more than 200 beneficiaries from both the districts before preparing the final report.

2. Another work with the SWAPNO project of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Bangladesh is to prepare two training modules on Green Product and Packaging Development and another on Food and Agribusiness Development in November and December this year.

Promoted to handloom products of Dinajpur district

Dinajpur is a district in northern part of Bangladesh. There are many looms here. During the British period there were more than 10000 weavers. But there is no information about it on the internet. EDC decides to promote online and offline the loom. That’s why it’s making waves on Facebook. As many people participated in it, there was an increase in customer feedback along with posts, comments, photos and videos about Dinajpur weaving on Facebook.

The Gamcha (towel) design is the most popular design in the district. Currently gamcha, gamcha sarees, gamcha 3 pes, gamcha shirts and many more products are available online. EDC in the capital organised an event titled “Dinajpur Shari” on 15 October 2022. There was a discussion and shopping opportunity by the entrepreneurs of Dinajpur.

Promoted to handloom gamcha (towel) of Haluaghat, Mymensingh district

Gamcha (towels) are being made in Haluaghat since independence. It was not known. EDC has worked to increase content on the Internet. Haluaghat towels are now made into shirts, fatuas, women’s koti, children’s wear, Punjabi designs, girls’ dresses, furushiki bags, jewelry and much more and sold online.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Institutions & Organizations

1. Deputy Commissioner Office, Gopalganj
   Deputy Commissioner Office, Gopalganj, and the e-Commerce Development Center have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to increase the number of Geographical Indication (GI) goods of Gupalganj. In a conference of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Gopalganj signed the MoU by Kazi Mahbubul Alam District Commissioner & District Magistrate, Gopalganj, and Kakoly Talokder President EDC on 29th February 2024. The witness was Sekh Jobaer Ahmed Additional District Commissioner and Ummay Shahera Anika treasurer of EDC.
   
2. Deputy Commissioner Office, Barisal
   The E-Commerce Development Center (EDC) and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Barisal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a Geographical Indication (GI) documentation for Amra. MoU signed by Shahidul Islam, District Commissioner & District Magistrate, and Kakoly Talokder president EDC at District Commissioner’s office, Barisal on 12 September 2023.
   
3. Deputy Commissioner Office, Narsingdi
   An MoU was signed between the EDC and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Narsingdi on August 28, 2023 for the making of GI recognition documentation and application process for Amrita Sagar Kala and Lotcon of Narsingdi. It was signed by Deputy Commissioner Abu Nayeem Mohammed Maruf Khan and EDC President Kakoly Talokder.
   
4. FAO- Food and Agriculture Organization
   Jackfruit has been selected as a country and a product of Bangladesh by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Then EDC and FAO signed an MoU for GI documentation of jackfruit on 6 June 2023.
   
5. ekShop
   EDC and ekShop signed an MoU on 17 November 2022 to work on the development of the e-commerce sector in Bangladesh. Rezwanul Haque Jami, Head of e-Commerce, a2i, ICT Division, and Kakoly Talokder, President, EDC signed on the MoU from both sides.

5. E-commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB)
   Digital Polli is a project of Business Promotion Council (BPC), Ministry of Commerce and E-commerce Association of Bangladesh (e-CAB). EDC and e-cab have signed a memorandum of understanding to work together to develop the e-commerce sector in Bangladesh on 4 April 2022. The promotion of Digital Polli project online and the preparation of project documentation are primarily mentioned. Kakoly Talokder, President, EDC ‍and Md Abdul Wahed Tomal, General Secretary, E-CAB signed the MoU.

6. Eastern University E-Commerce Club (EUEC)
   EDC and Eastern University E-Commerce Club (EUEC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together for the betterment of students by spreading knowledge related to e-commerce at the university level. The agreement was signed by Kakoly Talokder, President, EDC and  Abu Md. Abdullah, Assistant Professor, Business Administration Department,  Eastern University on 12 May 2022.

Organising events, workshops & seminar jointly

• Institute of Social Welfare and Research, University of Dhaka
  On January 17, 2023, a seminar on Career Development in E-commerce (Bangladesh Perspective) was organised by Social Welfare and Research Institute, Dhaka University and EDC. The seminar discussed how students can make their career in e-commerce.
  
• Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka
  On June 20, 2023, the faculty of law, Dhaka University held a seminar on the Increasing the Number of GI Products in Bangladesh Challenge. The seminar was organized by the faculty of law University of Dhaka, the Department of Pattern Design and Trademark (DPDT) and E-commerce Development Center (EDC). Women entrepreneurs were present in the seminar as well as students. The seminar discussed the growth of GI products, GI products legislation, issues, challenges etc.
  
• University of Rajshahi
  EDC organised day-long seminars with the Department of Economics and Department of Marketing of Rajshahi University in February and May 2023.  Career development of students, GI products of Rajshahi Silk, mango, and GI products were discussed with the students in the seminar and students were given ideas about potential GI products.
  
• Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science & Technology University
  A seminar on e-commerce club was held at Haji Danesh University of Science and Technology on 17th December 2022. In the seminar, how students can develop their careers through e-commerce club was discussed with the students and entrepreneurs of the teaching university. The seminar was organised by EDC along with Haji Danesh University of Science and Technology.
  
• Comilla University
  Career in e-commerce in Bangladesh seminar organized by Comilla University on 14 June 2023 on e-commerce was held. Dean of Comilla University along with business department teachers and EDC team were present. The seminar highlighted the possibilities of e-commerce in Bangladesh. How  Employment can be created through commerce. And how Arifa models are working successfully with GI products.
  
• American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB)
  Last 3rd and 4th December, EDC jointly with American International University held a two-day long seminar. The seminar had 6 speakers and spoke to the students on the syllabus of indigenous products and how the students will benefit to develop their career in e-commerce.
  
• Notre Dame University Bangladesh
  One seminar and two workshops were held at the University of Notre Dame in August September October 2023. EDC was associated with the university in organizing all the seminars and workshops. In the said seminars, students’ careers, GI products, and the importance of e-commerce were discussed.
  
• State University of Bangladesh
  On 27 October 2023 the International Mother Language Institute organised by State University of Bangladesh “From Poetry Passion: English for Innovation in an Entrepreneurial Era”.  Seven people from EDC spoke about their success stories in the seminar.
  
• Eastern University
  EDC along with Eastern University has organised various online and offline seminars and workshops. Various topics were discussed in the presence of students and entrepreneurs. The topics discussed are e-commerce club, e-commerce in the context of Bangladesh, importance of e-commerce, career development of students, GI products etc.
  
• Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology
  A seminar titled “Career Development in e-Commerce” was held at Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology on 12 March 2023.  E-commerce Development Center (EDC) success stories are presented to students. Students should come forward in building a career in e-commerce and students can learn more about it by forming e-commerce clubs in universities.
  
• Metropolitan University – Sylhet
  At a meeting in January 2023, EDC organized day-long seminars in March and October in collaboration with Metropolitan University’s E-Business Club.  Careers of students, and promotion of district GI products in Sylhet, Arifa model were discussed through e-business club.
• East Delta University
  Chittagong Desi Products Offline Event was held on 18th February 2023 organised by  EDC in full collaboration with East Delta University. Career development of the students, important discussions on potential GI products of Chittagong district and indigenous products of Chittagong district were discussed. Teachers, students and entrepreneurs of local products were present in the seminar.
  
• International Youth Peace Camp, Gandhi Ashram Trust
  E-commerce Development Center (EDC) President Ms. Kakoly Talokder was  a speaker at the International Youth Peace Camp.It was 1-2 October 2023 at Noakhali.

E-Commerce Club

1. Eastern University E-Commerce Club

On 9 January 2022 started the Eastern University E-Commerce Club (EUEC) supported by E-Commerce Development Center (EDC). This is the first e-commerce club in a private university in Bangladesh. EDC president, Kakoly Talokder and Vice-presedient, Niger Fatema are external advisors to the EUEC.

2. Metropolitan University E-Business Club

E-Business Club started on 2 February 2023 in the Metropolitan University of Sylhet with the support of EDC. It was attended by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Zahirul Haque. 

Ummay Shahera Anika, Treasurer of E-Commerce Development Center (EDC) and Arjena Hoque Shebaty, Owner of Sheboty’s Dress Corner, have been external advisors to Metropolitan University E-Business Club.

Deshi Ponno (local product) Syllabus

A ‘Deshi Ponner Syllabus’ (Syllabus of Domestic Products) has been developed to include all types of products produced in Bangladesh. It has various categories including agricultural, pottery, loom, food, industrial items and many more. It aims to be implemented as a course or subject in universities.

E-Commerce Development Center is working with several universities to implement this syllabus as an online or offline course. Already a workshop of 6 hours is conducted over 2 days by 6 instructors online with American International University-Bangladesh the title was Prospects of the local products for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises in Bangladesh. EDC is working to make this course 3 months or 6 months in future. So that students can make a career with products of their area.

Several meetings, seminars and workshops have been conducted on the syllabus of local products. So that entrepreneurs, students and teachers understand the importance of this syllabus and course. This is a course where you can get involved in business, startups, exports etc. It will contribute to the achievement of SDG-1; “Eliminating Poverty”, SDG-4;  “Quality Education” and SDG-8;  “Decent Work and Economic Growth for everyone”.

Article about local products

The EDC website has 20 articles about local products. Some articles are research based. This article will help you to know many unknown facts about local products of Bangladesh. Click here if you want to read now.

What does EDC want to do?

• Research

E-Commerce Development Center (EDC) seeks to research various aspects of local products, carriers, e-commerce and entrepreneurs. For this, EDC wants to do joint research work with universities, government and private institutions.

• Promotion

Bangladeshi products have been valued since ancient times. Since the time of British rule, the products of Bangladesh have been exported to different countries of the world. The E-commerce Development Center (EDC) wants to do more to promote local products on the Internet. EDC has already promoted handloom in a few districts. Created many Facebook posts. Primary success on handloom products for EDC in Manikganj, Dinajpur and Mymensingh districts.

The best part of the local products campaign is that nearly 100 groups on Facebook support the work and idea of ​​EDC and fully join the promotion.

• Training

EDC wants to train entrepreneurs, students or housewives to develop their e-commerce skills. So that they can work online with desi products and do well in their careers.

• Seminar

E-commerce Development Center organises various seminars for students and entrepreneurs on e-commerce, local products, GI products etc. But EDC wants to do more seminars in University, public and private organisations.

• Newsletter

EDC wants to create newsletters on e-commerce, local products, GI products, tourism and more. So that customers, entrepreneurs, business leaders and people can know about this sector. This newsletter may be printed or electronic. Lack of newsletters in Bangladesh e-commerce. EDC wants to contribute to filling the shortage of newsletter in e-commerce and local products.

• Documentary

There is huge scope for making documentaries on local products, e-commerce and tourism. EDC wants to make documentaries alone or in collaboration with other organisations.

• Exhibition of local products

Exhibitions can play a big role in promoting local products. Bangladesh has a lot of local products. Most products have a lot of variety, so exhibitions are a great way to introduce them.

EDC intends to arrange some exhibitions for local products.

Conclusion

EDC is a non-profit trust. It is trying to contribute to local products and e-commerce in Bangladesh. That’s why EDC is dedicated to working with entrepreneurs, students, universities and public and private organisations. EDC has a strong team to do that work led by Kakoly Talokder. She is a president of the trust.