November 15: The government has assured handicraft producers to provide support to export Nepali handicraft products to various countries.

Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada gave such assurance on Wednesday, November 14, while inaugurating the Handicraft Trade Fair and 14th Craft Competition organized by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) at Bhrikutimandap.

According to RSS, the finance minister 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,” RSS said in a news report.

FHAN Chairperson Dharmaraj Shakya said the Nepali handicraft industry is facing problems due to lack of policies and planning.

The five-day fair features a total of 170 stalls including 150 from domestic entrepreneurs and 20 from abroad where metal crafts, leather, wool, pasmina, wooden and Nepali paper products and medicinal herbs will be displayed.

The fair is being held under the theme of 'Handicraft: Prospect for Prosperity’ and will feature seminar, B2B workshops on current issues of handicraft industry, stall, as well as live demonstration of artisans.

Coordinator of the trade fair Hemanta Shakya expects transaction up to Rs 100 million during the fair.