‘Budget ignored establishment of SAARC handicraft development centre’

KATHMANDU, JUNE 4: The Federation of Handicrafts Associations of Nepal (FHAN) has complained that the recent budget failed to address the demand for establishing and operating the SAARC handicrafts development centre. FHAN’s Chairman Prachanda Shrestha issued a press note on Monday and informed that the budget brought for the coming fiscal year did not say anything about the SAARC handicrafts development centre which was said to be established by the FHAN and SAARC Development Fund.

“The handicraft sector earns over Rs 12 billion annually to the country by providing employment to youths in the field of art, culture and heritage,” he said, wondering why the government did not pay heed to this fact in the budget announcement. He however said the aim of the budget to promote export and link production to employment is very positive. The Federation is optimistic about the government’s plan to develop the Bagmati Province as an industrial hub and the Lumbini Province as a hub for small and mid-scale industrialists so that national productions could be upped.

Also taken positively by the Federation is the scheme of the establishment of a Rs 1 billion fund to foster an environment for startups. It would further encourage youths’ participation and innovation in new entrepreneurship, it added. The FHAN demanded the government ensure the incorporation of all entrepreneurs in the international exhibition to be constructed at Chovar, Kathmandu with public-private partnership.

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