Rajesh Kumar
Chief Executive Officer
Asha Handicrafts Association
India
What motivates you to become a Board member of WFTO Asia?
To begin with, I am motivated to become a Board member of WFTO Asia because of my deep commitment to advancing fair trade principles and empowering marginalized communities across the region. Central to my mission is improving communication with WFTO Asia members, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed effectively. I am eager to collaborate closely with members to tackle challenges such as the consistent decline in sales, leveraging their insights and experiences to strategize innovative solutions. Advocating for Fair Trade in Asian countries is crucial to me, and I intend to champion initiatives that raise awareness and promote ethical business practices. Furthermore, I aim to drive increased membership by highlighting the benefits of WFTO Asia membership and expanding our network to strengthen our collective impact. This role represents a significant opportunity for me to
contribute my skills in social entrepreneurship and strategic planning towards building a more just and inclusive economy in Asia, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of artisans and producers through sustainable development.
What special skills/qualifications you will bring to the WFTO Asia Board and/or for the Fair Trade movement?
With over 35 years of professional experience, I bring a robust set of skills to the WFTO Asia Board and the Fair-Trade movement. Throughout my career, I have developed expertise in business development, governance, statutory compliances, strategic planning, process optimization, administration, and financial management. My background includes successfully identifying growth opportunities, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strategically planning initiatives that align with organizational goals. I have also implemented efficient processes and fostered collaborative work environments, while maintaining a focus on prudent financial management. I am eager to apply these skills to support WFTO Asia’s mission, promote fair trade principles, and empower marginalized communities across the region.
What do you think are the priorities for WFTO Asia and WFTO for the next 5 years and how to
address them?
In my opinion, ovver the next five years, WFTO Asia and WFTO should prioritize several key areas to
strengthen the Fair Trade movement:
Creating Market Access: Expand market reach through improved visibility, enhanced product quality, and strategic partnerships with retail and e-commerce platforms.
Advocacy with Governmental Bodies and Enterprises: Lobby for policies supporting Fair Trade, such as ethical procurement practices and tax incentives. Engage with corporations to promote ethical supply chains and partnerships.
Collaboration with Other Fair Trade Bodies: Partner with global fair-trade networks to share best practices, advocate collectively, and strengthen the fair-trade ecosystem through joint initiatives.
Linkage of Funding Agencies: Secure sustainable funding from global north donors and agencies to support grassroots Fair Trade initiatives in Asia, facilitating direct connections between funders and local organizations.
Strengthening the WFTO GS System: Enhance the GS criteria for member compliance, simplify vertification processes, and provide support to ensure broader participation and impact.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration: To enhance regional collaboration.
Networking and Knowledge Exchange: Facilitate regular meetings and workshops for sharing experiences and best practices among members.
Joint Projects: Encourage collaborative projects addressing common challenges and regional opportunities.
Policy Advocacy: Advocate collectively on regional policy issues affecting fair trade practices and
sustainability.
Capacity Building: Invest in training and skills development for member organizations to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Cross-border Partnerships: Foster alliances between fair trade organizations across Asia to promote trade, knowledge exchange, and joint advocacy efforts.
By focusing on these priorities and fostering regional collaboration, WFTO Asia and WFTO can effectively advance Fair Trade principles, empower producers, and promote sustainable development across Asia and globally.