December 19: The 20th Handicraft Trade Fair held in the capital from December 14 to 18 made transactions worth Rs 20 million.    

The Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal shared that the fair was organized to promote international market for Nepali handicraft products.    

The fair saw participation of province and district-level handicraft associations as well as commodity associations showcasing various products including jewelry, cotton cloths, pashmina, leather products, natural fibres, and bamboo items.    

There were nearly 120 stalls in the event which also aimed at fostering commercial relations between national entrepreneurs and importers of handicraft products.    

On the occasion, Minister for Industry of Bagmati Province, Ram Krishna Chitrakar, said that handicraft products have contributed well to national economy and earned foreign currency as well. “As it helps develop entrepreneurship and creates jobs, it must be protected and expanded,” he underscored.    

The federation shared that Nepal has been exporting handicraft products to over 60 countries. The market of Nepal’s handicraft products is worth Rs 24 billion, while nearly 1.1 million people are involved in this sector.    

Nepal has been exporting handicraft products worth Rs 12 billion in average a year. -- RSS