The handicraft fair in the federal capital, which took place from December 14 to 18, recently concluded with a reported transaction sum of Rs 20 million, as disclosed by the Nepal Handicrafts Federation. The central goal of the event was to enhance the global market presence of Nepali handicrafts.
Various provincial and district handicrafts associations, alongside commodity associations, actively participated in the fair, displaying a wide array of products such as jewelry, cotton clothes, pashmina, leather goods, natural fibers, and bamboo items. Featuring approximately 120 sales stalls, the fair sought to fortify commercial connections between domestic entrepreneurs and handicraft importers.
Ram Krishna Chitrakar, the Industry Minister at Bagmati Province, highlighted the substantial impact of handcrafted goods on the national economy. He emphasized that these products not only contribute to foreign currency earnings but also play a vital role in promoting entrepreneurship and generating employment. Chitrakar stressed the importance of safeguarding and expanding this sector.
According to the Nepal Handicrafts Federation, the country presently exports handicrafts to more than 60 nations, with the overall market value estimated at Rs 24 billion. Around 1.1 million individuals are involved in this sector, making a significant contribution to both the national economy and the creation of job opportunities.
On an annual basis, Nepal exports handicrafts amounting to Rs 12 billion, indicating the robust presence of the sector in the global market.