Kathmandu, July 22: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has asserted that the government is committed to devising policies related to handicraft business, its protection, creating employment and transforming it.
During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers today, Prime Minister Shah mentioned that the government is positive towards the demand of formation of Handicraft Development Board on public private partnership (PPP) model.
On the occasion, representatives of Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) clarified that they were ready to collaborate with government for the development, expansion and protection of handicraft business. PM Shah had called FHAN office-bearers and representatives today for discussion.
Saying they felt that the incumbent government has given priority to handicraft business, the FHAN representatives underlined that they are ready for any-type of collaboration with the government.
The FHAN office-bearers demanded to observe Handicraft Day in national level at a time when the FHAN has been celebrating the Day on Mangisr 28 on its own way.
Prime Minister Shah directed his team to immediately coordinate with Home Ministry on this issue.
Similarly, PM Shah assured of carrying out activities as per the suggestion of FHAN office-bearers to make invoice-based valuation mandatory, replacing the current self-declaration system while exporting handicraft products which would help increase revenue.
He paid special interest on the issue of establishing handicraft village in Kathmandu Valley and opening handicraft skill training centre in all seven provinces.
The FHAN team had put forth various demands including protecting traditional skill arts and providing identity card to artisans.
FHAN President Rabindra Shakya, senior vice-president Rajman Bajracharya, Vice-president Kiram Kumar Sthapit, advisor Bikas Ratna Dhakhwa and top exporter Maheshwor Shrestha were present on the occasion. #nepal #rss
