13th Handicraft Trade Fair starts

Kathmandu, May 5: The 13th Handicraft Trade Fair and 11th Craft Competition commenced today at Bhrikutimandap in the capital city.

Inaugurating the event, Minister for Industry, Som Prasad Pandey, praised the Federation for playing a huge role in strengthening Nepal’s economy. “The fair is important so as to spread the knowledge on Nepal, Nepal’s identity, art, culture, clothes and language,” he said.

Minister Pandey urged the youths to get involved in the industrial sector by leaving the mindset occupied with getting a job.

On the occasion, Minister for Commerce, Jayanta Chand, said the country offered many possibilities for tourists and stressed on need to enhance Nepal’s popularity in the world through its handicraft works.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President, Pashupati Murarka, said the handicraft was contributing towards Nepal’s economic strides. He called for passing on the skills to the new generation.

More than 50 Nepali handcraft items are being exported to more than 80 countries including the US, Germany, France, Britain, Japan, China and India. The organizer, Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal, aims to transact more than Rs 100 million in the Fair which is expected to draw an estimated 300,000 visitors. RSS