Kathmandu, December 19
The handicraft fair, held in Kathmandu from December 14 to 18, recorded transactions totalling Rs 20 million.
The fair organised by the Federation of Handicrafts Association of Nepal was organised to promote Nepali handicrafts in the international market.
The handicraft fair featured the active participation of provincial and district handicrafts associations, as well as commodity associations, showcasing a diverse range of products including jewellery, cotton clothes, pashmina, leather goods, natural fibres, and bamboo items.
The handicraft fair featured nearly 120 sales stalls, aiming to foster commercial relations between national entrepreneurs and handicraft importers. The fair successfully brought together entrepreneurs, handicraft importers, and consumers.
During the event, Ram Krishna Chitrakar, Minister for Industry at Bagmati Province, highlighted the significant contribution of handmade products to the national economy and foreign currency earnings. Acknowledging their role in fostering entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities, he stressed the importance of protecting and expanding this sector.
The Nepal Handicrafts Federation said that Nepal currently exports handicrafts to over 60 countries, with the total market value of the handicrafts amounting to Rs 24 billion.
Approximately 1.1 million people are engaged in this sector. The annual export of handicrafts from Nepal is valued at Rs 12 billion.
