KATHMANDU, Nov 29: The 17th Handicraft Trade Fair kicked off in Kathmandu on Thursday. The exhibition organized by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal is showcasing a wide range of handmade products produced across the country.
Metal craft, pauva painting, thangka painting, outfits made of pashmina, dhaka and allo fibers, and handmade paper, and wood products are among the major attractions of the five-day fair.
Gear up for ‘17th Handicraft Trade Fair and 15th Craft Competit...
Inaugurating the event, Minister for Finance Yuba Raj Khatiwada said that the government was planning to provide subsidized loan to handicrafts entrepreneurs to prevent shortfall of investments in cottage and small enterprises. According to him, the government would facilitate handicraft producers to showcase their products during the Visit Nepal 2020 campaign to promote the business of handmade items.
Speaking at the event, K K Karmacharya, chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, stressed the need to use new technology to produce handicrafts to cater the changing demand of the international market.
According to the federation, the fair has altogether 200 stalls including seven pavilions. Products from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan have also been displayed at the fair, the organizers said in a press statement.