KATHMANDU, Nov 13: The Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) is organizing 16th Handicraft Trade Fair and 14th Craft Competition at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu from November 14.

The annual handicraft expo, which is being organized with the slogan 'Handicraft: Prospects for Prosperity', will continue till November 18.

Ministry of Commerce is the co-organizer of the event, while Trade & Export Promotion Center, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Nepal Tourism Board and Federation of Nepal Cottage & Small Industry are the event partners.

The event aims at enhancing the country's export trade through promotion of handicraft products, according to a statement issued by the federation.

According to the organizers, there will be six pavilions and 170 stalls. Traders from India, China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan have booked 20 stalls of the expo. The organizers are also giving away cash prize to best pavilion and best stall.

Handicraft associations from all seven provinces and commodity associations as well as Poverty Alleviation Fund are also participating in the event. The trade fair will showcase pashmina products, woolen goods, silver jewelry, metal statue and crafts, handmade paper, cotton/natural fiber, wooden craft, stone craft, ceramics, Thankha, leather products and beads items, among others. The organizers are expecting Rs 100 million worth of transactions during the event.

The organizers are expecting at least 30 foreign buyers to participate in the event. Similarly, around 200,000 visitors are expected to participate in the event. Entry fee has been fixed at Rs 50 per person for general visitors and Rs 25 for students.

The event will also feature B2B sessions and a seminar entitled 'Role of Handicraft Industries in Attaining Sustainable Development Goal 2030'. 

Besides, the 14th Craft Competition will also be organized on the sidelines of the event. Winner of the

competition will take home Rs 50,000, while first and second runners-up will be richer by Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000, respectively.

Nepal's handicraft trade is worth around Rs 10 billion, according to the federation.

Nepal has been exporting handicraft products to more than 25 countries including the US, China, India and some European countries.

 
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