Handicraft exports surge

KATHMANDU, JUN 14 -

Exports of metal and wooden handicrafts to countries other than India (third countries) grew by a whopping 80.4 percent to Rs 333 million in the first 10 months of the fiscal year, according to Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).

Among other export items, exports silver jeweler and crafts grew 46.5 percent to Rs 97.4 million, while pashmina export increased 30.4 percent to Rs 1.6 billion.

Dilip Khanal, executive director of the Federation Handicrafts Association of Nepal (FHAN), attributed the surge in the exports to promotional campaigns run in target markets. “Increased participation of traders in various national and international expos helped marketing and promotion of the sector,” he said, adding the government’s policy to promote small and cottage industries also helped.

According to HAN, there has been a significant rise in the exports of handicrafts made up of fabrics like allo, hemp, cotton and Dhaka, among others. “Orders have risen from China, Brazil, South Africa and Russia, among others,” said Khanal. “We are expecting the growth to continue for the coming months.”

Nepal exports around 45 varieties of handicrafts to more than 80 countries, according to FHAN.  Emerging markets like China have emerged as the new buyers of Nepali handicraft products. “China accounted for 40 percent of the total exports this year,” said Khanal.

Exports to American and European countries are also encouraging. The two markets account for about 50 percent of the country’s total handicraft exports, according to HAN.

Shree Prakash Bajracharya, marketing manager of Sana Hastakala, said improved quality and new designs of Nepali handicrafts have contributed to increased demand. “We are focusing on design and quality as per the taste of the target market,” he said. The handicraft sector is also becoming a good platform of self employment. An estimated 1.1 million people are involved in the business, according to HAN.

Increasing domestic consumption, catalysed by expanding middle-class, has also been driving the growth of the sector, according to HAN.

Source: The Kathmandu Post