SAARC handicraft centre to cost US$ 2.7mn: FHAN

31 Aug '13

2 min read

The new South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Handicraft Design and Development Centre would cost around US$ 2.7 million, according to estimates derived on basis of a joint study by Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), Department of Cottage and Small Industries, and Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology shows.

The report detailing total projected cost for setting up the new centre and the budgetary provisions has been submitted to the Ministry of Industry, FHAN Director General Dilip Khanal said, The Himalayan Times reported.

Mr. Khanal said they are looking forward to next SAARC summit, where Finance Minister of Nepal Shanker Prasad Koirala probably would present a proposal for the said SAARC Handicraft Design and Development Centre project.

Once the project is approved, the SAARC Development Fund would further US$ 2.7 million for establishment of the new centre, which shall be constructed by 2014, Mr. Khanal said.

Nepal Government has already accepted to provide three ropanis of land (1 ropani = approx. 508.72 sq m) for construction of the said centre on the premises of Tripureshwor-based Department of Cottage and Small Industries.

Besides facilitating research, development and training aiming at production of innovative handicraft items, the proposed centre would also work to promote Nepali handmade products in international markets.

As FHAN already operates a handicraft emporium in Thamel, it intends to set up a SAARC handicraft emporium and handicraft laboratory within the projected new building of Handicraft Design and Development Centre (HANDECEN).

HANDECEN is an autonomous body, established by FHAN, in association with the Government to create innovate and quality products for developing the Nepali handicrafts industry.

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