Trade Without Borders has established an effective product sourcing and manufacturer development framework. Given that the Far East is a major source of manufactured goods, we are initially working with suppliers from the Far East out of our Hong Kong base of operations. However, longer-term, we aim to utilize the same framework to enable the development of organized and unorganized local manufacturers in developing countries, including Fair Trade producers ---whether a garment manufacturer in South Asia; a wooden toy manufacturer in Africa; an agricultural tools supplier in Latin America. In this way, and consistent with our mission statement, we aim to further enable sustainable development.
Irrespective of the type of manufacturer – unorganized or organized – we have established a thorough process to qualify both manufacturer and the products they produce. Before a product is included in Trade Without Borders’ online catalogue, we ensure that:
- the manufacturer has passed both Quality Systems and Social Responsibility audits.
- All products supplied meet recognized international safety and quality standards.
Benefits to NGOs
TWB intends to work with NGOs with established, on-going, sustainable development projects. The benefits for these NGOs would include:
- Assurance that products supplied are from socially responsible manufacturers
- Assurance that products have been tested to recognized international safety and quality assurance standards
- Longer-term, be able to procure more locally appropriate essential supplies, such as garments consistent with local preferences
- Over time, contribute to the sustainability of local manufacturers of finished goods and their component suppliers
- Over time, also contribute to expansion of trade within developing countries: Wooden Toys from India shipping to Nepal or vice versa.
- The opportunity to, perhaps, support qualified Fair Trade producers able to meet TWB’s requirements.
Benefits to Microentrepreneurs
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As with NGOs, Microentrepreneurs, such as Village Store Owners , can benefit from a more extensive source of international quality and cost-effective products suitable for their local customers.
Benefits to Manufacturers
TWB intends to collaborate with both organized, larger-scale manufacturers and unorganized micromanfacturing enterprises.
- Additional distribution channels for their products locally and in export markets
- Gain from efficiencies realized from greater economies of scale in their manufacturing operations
- Utilize excess production capacity
- Facilitate their development as internationally qualified manufacturers of export quality products
- Improve the sustainability of their manufacturing operations
