Govt committed to transforming handicraft Sector: PM Shah

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has stated that the government is committed to policies that protect and transform the handicraft sector to generate employment.

Speaking at a meeting with representatives of Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) in Singha Durbar, PM Shah said the government is positive about establishing a Handicraft Development Board based on a public-private partnership model. Shah had convened FHAN office-bearers and representatives for the discussion.

During the meeting, FHAN representatives confirmed their readiness to collaborate with the government on the development, expansion, and protection of the handicraft business. The office-bearers noted that the incumbent government has given priority to the handicraft sector and reaffirmed their commitment to any form of collaboration.

The delegation also requested that Handicraft Day, which FHAN currently marks on Mangsir 28, be observed at the national level. Prime Minister Shah instructed his team to coordinate immediately with the Home Ministry regarding this proposal.

Prime Minister Shah agreed to pursue FHAN's suggestion to make invoice-based valuation mandatory for exported handicraft products, replacing the current self-declaration system, stating that this change would help increase revenue. He expressed particular interest in establishing a handicraft village in the Kathmandu Valley and opening handicraft skill training centres in all seven provinces.

FHAN submitted further requests, including measures to protect traditional skill arts and the provision of identity cards for artisans. FHAN President Rabindra Shakya, Senior Vice President Rajman Bajracharya, Vice President Kiran Kumar Sthapit, Advisor Bikas Ratna Dhakhwa, and exporter Maheshwor Shrestha attended the meeting.

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