PM Balen to Meet Handicraft Exporters, Sector Reforms on Agenda

Prime Minister Balen Shah is set to hold a high-level meeting today with representatives of the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) to discuss the current state of the country's handicraft sector and explore measures to strengthen its domestic and international presence. The meeting, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, will focus on expanding Nepal's traditional handicraft industry and enhancing the global competitiveness of Nepali products. The discussion will bring together FHAN President Rabindra Shakya, Senior Vice President Rajman Bajracharya, Vice President Kiran Kumar Sthapit, advisor Bikash Ratna Dhakhwa, and leading handicraft exporter Maheshwar Shrestha. Industry representatives are expected to raise key issues including easier access to raw materials, greater government support for exports, and stronger international branding of Nepali handicrafts. Despite generating billions of rupees in foreign exchange annually, the sector continues to face challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers and limited adoption of modern technology. The meeting follows a series of consultations by Prime Minister Balen with business and private-sector stakeholders, reflecting the government's broader effort to strengthen dialogue and support export-oriented industries.