Handicraft makers and traders have announced dedicating the coming year to revitalising the industry left in tatters by the coronavirus. Lack of sales and new export orders has brought distress to the thousands of Nepalis that depend on the sector for their livelihoods.

 

The Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal said on Sunday that it was declaring next year as Handicraft Year when they would work to promote the business and lobby with the government for policy reform to make Nepali products accessible and competitive in the international market.

 

Speaking at the federation's 48th anniversary function, its president Surendra Bhai Shakya said that the Handicraft Year was intended to restore the industry affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

The federal, provincial and local governments should provide skill-based self-employment training and national and international market management training to protect and promote the declining handicraft industry, he said. Government offices should also use Nepali handicraft products to help the industry get back on its feet, he added.

 

The federation said that funding should be provided by giving priority to the clear objective of becoming self-reliant by creating self-employment.

 

Parbat Gurung, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, said that the government was ready to make policy reforms to promote handicrafts and make exports competitive.