:: About AAC :: Our Background The Artisans’ Association of Cambodia (AAC) was established in 2001 under the co-ordinated efforts of the World Rehabilitation Fund (WRF), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It has also received financial support from the Government of Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Cambodia House Australia, European Union through Asia Invest/Tradecraft Exchange UK, World Rehabilitation Fund, the McKnight Foundation USA and the International Labour Organization (ILO). AAC is currently a member of both the International Fair Trade Organization (IFAT), based in the Netherlands and the Asia Fair Trade Forum (AFTF), based in the Philippines as well as being registered with the Ministry of the Interior of the Government of Cambodia. With the formation of AAC came a vision to promote a new approach to the socio-economic integration of disadvantaged women, landmine survivors and others with disabilities. For many of these people, breaking the cycle of dependence is a continous struggle. Often for provincially-based artisans, due to family circumstances or disability, even the mobilization necessary to leave their homes and gain employment or market their products can be a major challenge. Many of these people are now employed by AAC members, be they local NGOs, micro enterprises or not-for-profit businesses. These organizations face many challenges in supporting disadvantaged artisans, especially in areas such as marketing their products and developing the capacity of their business. AAC was formed on the critical stage of Cambodia’s handicraft market to assist these organizations in fulfilling their social objectives and helping their artisans break the cycle of dependence. Our Vision Evolving Cambodian artisan groups into accomplished independent social enterprises. Our Mission The Artisans’ Association of Cambodia (AAC) is a fair trade association providing commercial and capacity building services to NGOs and social enterprises that work closely with disadvantaged artisans. Our Objectives • To improve the socio-economic well-being of disadvantaged artisans by increasing the income generating activities of member organizations. • To improve the quality of artisan products by providing ongoing professional development to artisans and staff at member organizations. • To increase the sales of these products to tourist and export markets. • To negotiate collectively with member organizations in order to reduce production materials and export costs. • To advocate nationally and internationally for policies that will benefit the production and sales of artisan products in order to allow sufficient economic benefits for these groups. Services • Networking: connecting our members with each other and with partners that can encourage and assist them in their work. • Advocacy: representing the interests of disadvantaged artisans to government and other relevant decision-makers. • Training: developing the knowledge and skills of AAC member staff and artisans in areas such as design, marketing , production technique and product development. • Quality Control: providing technical assistance in assessing product quality and ensuring that artisans are meeting high standards in their production. • Marketing and Sales: working with members to explore local, national and international markets where their products can be sold. • Consignments: acting as a ‘commercial agent’ for international buyers, co-ordinating orders and shipments of products from AAC members. • Organizational Development: assisting our members in organizational restructuring and helping them to develop a business plan and effective company policies.