Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government will always put the handicraft sector in its priority.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 44th annual general assembly of the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) here on Friday, Prime Minister Oli assured of taking maximum initiatives from government sides in favour of the handicraft sector as this sector increases employment, production, entrepreneurship, and export in the country.

He urged all to increase the use of handicraft goods instead of readymade ones, saying the handicraft sector would never struggle for its existence as Nepal is rich in art and culture.

“Our country is famous for art and the art here is priceless”, mentioned PM Oli, adding, “Handicraft has helped women’s employment and skill development as well as social upliftment. Let’s be involved in exporting handicraft goods and I will discuss with the Federation for the development and promotion of handicraft business.”

Similarly, Federation President Prachanda Shakya welcomed the government’s move to issue guidelines for using domestic products in public entities and stressed the need for its effective implementation.

He drew Prime Minister Oli’s attention to various points for export facilitation. The handicraft sector has created directly and indirectly 1.1 million employment and has exported goods of around Rs 11 billion.

Outstanding exporters and contributors were honoured on the occasion.