KATHMANDU: The 20th Handicraft Trade Fair and 18th Craft Competition held in Kathmandu from December 14 to 18 made transactions of Rs 2o million, according to Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN).
FHAN organised the fair to promote the international market of Nepali handicrafts.
Province, district handicrafts association, and commodity associations participated in the handicraft trade fair showcasing jewellery, cotton cloths, pashmina, leather products, natural fibres, and bamboo items.
Around 120 stalls were set up at the event which aimed at fostering commercial relations between the national entrepreneurs and importers of handicrafts. The fair gathered the entrepreneurs, handicrafts importers and consumers together.
On the occasion, Bagmati Province Minister for Industry Ram Krishna Chitrakar viewed that handicraft items have contributed well to the national economy and earn foreign currency as well. He stressed that the handicraft sectors should be protected and expanded citing that it helps develop entrepreneurship and creates jobs.
Nepal is exporting handicrafts to over 60 countries, according to FHAN. The total market of handicrafts is worth Rs 24 billion, while nearly 1.1 million people are involved in this sector.
Nepal is exporting handicrafts worth Rs 12 billion in a year.
