GTZ is an international operating technical cooperation enterprise for sustainable development that operates worldwide. GTZ was established in 1975 and is organized as a private company owned by the German Federal Government. GTZ works on a public benefit basis, using all funds generated as profits exclusively for projects in international cooperation.
The organization wants to provide viable, forward-looking solutions for political, economic, ecological and social development in a globalised world, and its objective is to improve people’s living conditions on a sustainable basis. GTZ works mainly for the German Federal Government. GTZ implements about 2,300 development projects and programs in over 130 countries around the world, with offices in 66 of these countries, focusing on Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
The main focus in international cooperation is on so-called Technical Cooperation. Far from being only centered on transferring technical knowledge, this primarily involves communicating knowledge that enables people to shape their present and future on their own. For this, GTZ strengthens individual initiatives and the capabilities of people and organizations, and lays the basis for stable development, for future generations as well.
In Bangladesh, a part of the GTZ activities is focused on the development of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME’s), and this project is called PROGRESS. For PROGRESS, the main objective is reducing poverty, and the main focus is on increasing social and environmental compliance.
PROGRESS tries to promote the Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). Its main goal is to improve the competitiveness of the SMEs in Bangladesh. PROGRESS interventions include technical advice, human- and institutional networking, and supportive research. The program of PROGRESS in Bangladesh consists of five different components. These 5 components include:
These components together contribute to the development of four different sectors. The sectors are:
The jute products fall into the handicraft sector. PROGRESS applies a Business Development Services (BDS) market development methodology. This means that support mechanisms for SMEs are developed with assistance of PROGRESS, but the actual provision of such services is by local organizations, and thus contributing to long term and sustainable solutions.
The main focus in international cooperation is on so-called Technical Cooperation. Far from being only centered on transferring technical knowledge, this primarily involves communicating knowledge that enables people to shape their present and future on their own. For this, GTZ strengthens individual initiatives and the capabilities of people and organizations, and lays the basis for stable development, for future generations as well.
In Bangladesh, a part of the GTZ activities is focused on the development of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SME’s), and this project is called PROGRESS. For PROGRESS, the main objective is reducing poverty, and the main focus is on increasing social and environmental compliance.
PROGRESS tries to promote the Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). Its main goal is to improve the competitiveness of the SMEs in Bangladesh. PROGRESS interventions include technical advice, human- and institutional networking, and supportive research. The program of PROGRESS in Bangladesh consists of five different components. These 5 components include:
- Enabling Business Environment
- Design and Product Development Services
- Enterprise Information Services
- Skills Development Services
- Social- and Environmental Standards
These components together contribute to the development of four different sectors. The sectors are:
- Ready Made Garments (RMG)
- Silk
- Leather
- Handicraft.
The jute products fall into the handicraft sector. PROGRESS applies a Business Development Services (BDS) market development methodology. This means that support mechanisms for SMEs are developed with assistance of PROGRESS, but the actual provision of such services is by local organizations, and thus contributing to long term and sustainable solutions.