Export of handicraft stressed

Kathmandu, Nov 14 . The government is set to provide grant support to the entrepreneurs concerned to export Nepali handicraft products to different countries.

Minister for Finance Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada said this while inaugurating the 16th international handicraft trade fair and 14th handicraft competition organized by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal at Bhrikutimandap today.

Minister Dr Khatiwada underlined the need for the protection and promotion of handicraft sector as well as its export acknowledging its supporting role for economic empowerment through employment generation.

He also highlighted the importance of developing indigenous art to meet the demand of global market while noting the handicraft would help preserve disappearing art and culture and steer ahead the country to the path of prosperity.

Also speaking on the occasion Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) central chairperson Bhawani Rana emphasized on increasing investment in production sector in collaboration with private sector.

Federation Chairperson Dharmaraj Shakya said the handicraft business has witnessed gradual decrease in its production for lack of qualified human capital. The fair has a total of 170 stalls showcasing metal art, gold and silver, woolen and winter clothes, varieties of handicraft, pashmina items, hand paper, leather products, bamboo products and herbal plants.