Facing slowdown in exports to traditional Western Europe market, which is passing through financial crisis, Nepali handicraft exporters were hunting for new destinations for exports, and have identified Brazil, East Europe, Mexico and Africa as new markets, The Himalayan Times reported.
Having identified the new markets, the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) has sought financial assistance of Np Rs. 7.5 million from the Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC) to analyse the market potential of the new markets and to hold handicraft fairs in those markets, FHAN President Hem Ratna Shakya said.
Meanwhile, the SAARC Secretariat has offered help of Rs. 200 million for developing infrastructure for establishing a development centre for handicraft products and designs, Mr. Sakhya said.
However, the financial assistance would come only after the Cabinet grants its approval to the proposal of setting up the new development centre at the site of Department of Cottage and Small Industries in Tripureshwor.
Mr. Sakhya further said that FHAN has urged the Government to allocate three ropanis of land for developing a well-equipped design centre, a handicraft laboratory and an emporium, and the discussions with the Ministry are heading in a positive direction.
Source:
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/textile-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=146828
