Job Opportunities and Business Support (JOBS), a project funded by USAID and implemented by the IRIS Center at the University of Maryland, participated in the ‘America Week’ in Khulna recently. America Week is an annual event that showcases the many ways the United States engages with and assists Bangladesh. USAID cooperates with the U.S. Embassy, the American business community and many partner organizations to arrange the event.

USAID Mission Director Gene V. George inaugurated the Display Center at Castle Salam Hotel where JOBS displayed products developed by its clients who have received assistance over the years. Since 1997 JOBS has provided a variety of assistance, such as Skill Development Training for the unskilled and semi skilled workers and Product and Design Development Training led by foreign trainers to enhance the quality and design features of locally manufactured products.  In addition, JOBS has facilitated the participation of many clients in international trade fairs for sectors such as floor coverings, home textiles and leather goods. Export quality products of different sectors such as hand made paper, leather and leather goods, jute-diversified products, home textile, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were on the display. The well-decorated display center attracted a huge number of visitors for three consecutive days during the America Week. US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Deputy Chief of the Mission of the Embassy Judith A. Chammas, and Deputy Mission Director of USAID Beth Paige were also present among other dignitaries who visited the JOBS Display Center and appreciated the range of products developed by JOBS’ clients.

While in Khulna Gene George also visited two local JOBS clients working in the leather goods and handicrafts sectors.

America Week is a part of a broader effort by USAID, its partners and the U.S. Embassy to reach out to Bangladeshis outside of Dhaka. It was organized in three major divisional head quarters, Chittagong, Sylhet and Rajshahi before being held in Khulna this year.