Building to house SAARC Design Center to be ready in six months

Published On: March 9, 2020 10:25 AM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


KATHMANDU, March 9: The building of the SAARC Design Center is to be completed in the upcoming six months.  

According to Prachanda Shakya, senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepali Handicraft Association (FHAN), the construction of the building will reflect the architecture of the Malla period.

“The building of the SAARC Design Center is being constructed with the financial assistance of FHAN, Nepal government and Bhutan-based SAARC Development Fund,” said Shakya, “The building is designed to be constructed in five storeys and so far, construction of three storeys has already been completed.”

The SAARC Design Center is being built in the premises of the Department of Cottage and Small Industries. The SAARC Design Center has joint investment of Nepal government and the Bhutan-based SAARC Development Fund.

“The building of SAARC Design Center is inspired by the Malla era and it will have architecture of the Malla period. As the façade of the building is inspired by the Malla era, it takes more time than usual in the construction of the building,” said Shakya. 

The SAARC Design Center will provide training to people involved in the handicraft sector, to develop new designs that are trending in the markets. The center will also provide product diversification training and technical support to the people involved in the handicraft sector. 

“The center will have a lab for testing and handicraft emporiums. The testing lab will test the quality of metal, pashmina, silver jewelry, carpets and other handicraft items whereas handicraft emporiums will display various products of handicraft where people and tourist can purchase the handicraft products ,” said Shakya.

The federation also has plans to develop Nepal Handicraft Village that would provide a common forum to people working in the sector and equip them with better technical skills.

The project is expected to help Nepali handicraft producers gain bigger share of the international market. Additionally, the Nepal Handicraft village will provide financial assistance to the people involved in the sector. 

The product of Nepali handicraft has huge demand in the national as well as international market. US, Europe, Australia and Canada are the major markets of Nepali handicraft products. 

“The center will help to boost the handicraft sector of Nepal and create a suitable environment for the people involved in the handicraft sector by providing training and financial support. So, the construction of the building will help the handicraft industry in various ways,” said Shakya.


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