In a significant move to promote the domestic handicraft industry and curb imports, Damodar Bhandari, the Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, has recognized the vital role of the handicrafts business in reducing the country’s imports. During an interaction organized by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal on Friday, the Minister emphasized that the handicraft business carries great potential for contributing to the discouragement of imports, provided that capital and technology are effectively utilized.
Minister Bhandari highlighted that the handicraft business is not merely a trade but a representation of Nepal’s rich culture and heritage. He acknowledged its significant role in employment creation, underscoring the sector’s importance for the nation’s economic development.
The Minister shared the government’s preparations for implementing the draft of the Handicrafts Development Policy, submitted by the Federation. This policy aims to provide a comprehensive framework for the growth and promotion of the handicraft sector in Nepal.
Furthermore, Bhandari revealed the government’s efforts to establish the SAARC Handicrafts Design Center in Nepal under a public-private partnership model. This center will serve as a hub for providing integrated services to handicraft entrepreneurs, including design, development, quality certification, marketing, and entrepreneurship schemes.
According to the Minister, a building for the proposed SAARC Handicrafts Design Center has been readied at Tripureshwor, and the government is preparing to endorse the procedures to operate the facility. This initiative will offer much-needed guidance and support to the handicraft industry, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the global market.
Bhandari pledged that the government would leave no stone unturned to promote handicraft items listed in the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy formulated by the Ministry to promote industry and enterprises properly. This strategy aims to identify and prioritize key sectors for export promotion and economic growth, with the handicraft sector being a significant focus area.
The government’s recognition of the handicraft sector’s potential and its commitment to implementing supportive policies and infrastructure aligns with Nepal’s efforts to reduce import dependency, promote cultural preservation, and create employment opportunities. By leveraging the country’s rich heritage and fostering entrepreneurship in the handicraft industry, Nepal aims to strengthen its economic resilience and global competitiveness.
