Swisscontact 35d ago

This is the story of how Swisscontact’s Vocational Skills Development Programme (VSDP), in partnership with CPM, Turquoise Mountain, and ASK Solutions, is strengthening Myanmar’s handwoven textile sector by training artisans and MSMEs with practical skills in quality production, post-weaving processes, and the use of locally sourced materials. These efforts are helping weavers transition from traditional methods to producing higher-quality, value-added textiles that meet market demand while preserving cultural authenticity. Beyond production, the programme also addresses systemic challenges by improving access to technical knowledge, appropriate machinery, and shared infrastructure, while introducing clear quality standards and professional production practices. At the enterprise level, MSMEs are supported to enhance business management, adopt structured systems, and expand into local and international markets. A key outcome is the empowerment of women and community artisans, many of whom weave from their homes. With improved skills and stable income opportunities, they are not only supporting their livelihoods but also sharing knowledge across generations. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques and market access, this initiative is fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable textile sector—ensuring that Myanmar’s rich handweaving heritage continues to thrive in today’s economy. Find out more about the project: https://www.swisscontact.org/en/projects/vsdp The Vocational Skills Development Programme (VSDP), funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and delivered in consortium with INVOLAS (Institute for Vocational Education, Labour Market, and Social Policy) and implemented by Swisscontact, in partnership with BayDar and AhPhyay. SUBSCRIBE to watch more videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_QOIA5hxvNKSMJ3IOdFOw FOLLOW us on social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swisscontact/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swisscontactworldwide/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swisscontact/ SIGN UP to get our global Newsletter: https://www.swisscontact.org/en/newsletter/ VISIT the Swisscontact homepage: https://www.swisscontact.org/en ABOUT SWISSCONTACT Swisscontact in Myanmar with long running projects and country programmes since 2013 give us a unique insight to pursue an entrepreneurial approach, embed best practices, test innovations and match funding to scale our impact. The Vocational Skills Development Programme (VSDP), focuses on enhancing livelihoods in the agriculture, textile, and infrastructure maintenance sectors. It applies a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach to strengthen inclusion, competitiveness, and resilience across these industries in partnership with SC Services Myanmar. The approach addresses root causes of underperformance by engaging key private actors to co-create sustainable solutions rather than relying on one-off support. This systemic approach improves access to inputs, skills, technology, and markets— empowering small producers, workers, and enterprises to boost productivity and income. In doing so, it strengthens livelihoods by driving sustainable business growth, expanding income opportunities, and promoting greater economic participation for women and disadvantaged groups.