Handicrafts export up by 11.5pc.

KATHMANDU: Last fiscal year witnessed major exportable products of Nepal a satisfactory growth compared to a fiscal year ago in 2010-11.

Exports of Nepali handicraft products (metal and woodcraft) observed an increment of 11.5 per cent, exports of Nepali paper and paper products increased by 47.2 per cent, and export of pashmina increased by 42.1 per cent.

Similarly, export of readymade garments, silver jewellery and carpets increased by 30.8 per cent, 21.5 per cent and 42.7 per cent respectively, as compared to the previous fiscal year.

Exports of handicraft goods to India alone increased by 271.6 per cent, states the annual export data of Nepal Rastra Bank.

In fiscal year 2011–12, Nepal exported handicraft goods worth Rs 510.1 million, while export of Nepali paper and paper products was worth Rs 587.3 million, and total export of pashmina products was worth Rs 3230.3 million. Exports of Nepali garments stood at Rs 4006.3 million, silver jewellery at Rs 110.0 million and woollen carpets at Rs 6938.0 million.

“We are satisfied with the export figures of handicraft products for 2011–12,” said president of Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal Bikash Ratna Dhakwa. “Due to continuous participation of Nepali handicrafts in international trade fairs and a proper marketing strategy, the demand for our products has been increasing,” he said.

Meanwhile, according to garment entrepreneurs, the increment of 30.8 per cent is a good indication. Earlier, in 2009–10 and 2010–11, total garment exports was worth Rs 3890.7 million and Rs 3062.7 million, respectively, and now the export figure has crossed Rs 4000 million.

Besides the American market, the garment industry is now developing plans to expand its market to Europe, India and Australia. According to the Garment Association – Nepal, value addition to traditional Nepali readymade garments has also helped increase the demand for Nepali garments, which subsequently has pushed exports up. With value addition, Nepali products are much more distinct and competitive than products from China or India.

Exports of pashmina, which is another major exportable product of the country, also observed an increment of 42.1 per cent in fiscal year 2011–12. With regular branding and marketing of Nepali pashmina, ‘Chyangra Pashmina’ has successfully become an internationally registered trademark in 41 different countries and the process to register the brand in Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and UAE is ongoing.

According to Nepal Pashmina Industries Association (NPIA), registration of the ‘Chyangra Pashmina’ trademark in the international market has revived the goodwill of the Nepali pashmina brand.

Source : thehimalayantimes.com