Govt committed to promote handicraft sector: DPM Shrestha

Kathmandu- Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has said the government was committed to promoting handicraft sector as it has been significantly contributing to country’s economy.

Addressing the 43rd annual general meeting of the Federation of Handicrafts Associations here today, DPM Shrestha shared that the draft of handicraft policy would be given a final shape soon and high -level discussion forwarded for the construction of handicrafts village in all seven provinces. He underscored that rapid economic development is national urgency and added the government was effortful for the same.

The DPM mentioned that the government has been moving ahead by keeping good governance, prosperity and social justice in centre. “Development and economic activities have been kept in priority. Good governance is its precondition,” he underlined. Presenting the fact that country’s economy could be strengthened by exporting handicraft items, Minister for Industry, Commerce, Land and Administration of Bagmati Province, Ram Krishna Chitrakar, said Bagmati province was ready to facilitate in export promotion.

Similarly, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, explained that FNCCI was ready to collaborate with the government. Chairperson of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Rajendra Malla, pointed out the need of introducing different projects to attract young generation in the handicraft sector.

This sector has a significant contribution in reducing trade deficit. Senior Vice-President of Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Birendra Raj Pandey, laid emphasis that the government should facilitate in export promotion. Stating that handicraft sector enhances the art and culture, earns national image in the international community, he pointed out the need of support from all sided to this regard.

Moreover, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Naradmani Hartamchhali, shared that the Academy was active to give esthetic value to the handicraft goods, while Executive Director of Trade and Export Promotion Centre, Sharad Bikram Rana, suggested the entrepreneurs to produce goods that compete in the global market.

Deputy-Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Manjali Shakya, stressed support of all three-tier governments in development of handicraft sector. Federation President Prachanda Shakya requested for concessional loan to promote handicraft business.