In a first-of-its-kind move in South Asia, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) of Nepal Chapter is setting up a new center in Kathmandu to promote the regional handicrafts industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n As South Asia\u2019s first such establishment, the SAARC Handicraft Design Center at Tripureshwor of Kathmandu will be home to an internationally-accredited lab, advanced training unit, and handicraft emporiums.<\/p>\n As a five-storeyed building, the Center will also feature Malla-era architecture.<\/p>\n \u201cThe lab will test the quality of metal products, pashmina products, woolen carpets, and silver jewelry, among other handicraft items. Similarly, the emporiums will display major handicraft items from Nepal<\/a> and other SAARC countries,\u201d says Dharma Raj Shakya, FHAN President.<\/p>\n Budget Allocation The Government of Nepal has already allocated an initial budget of Rs 50 million for the establishment, FHAN added.<\/p>\n Overall, FHAN will extend Rs 27 million or 10 percent of the total cost, and the government will bear the remaining expenditure.<\/p>\n Post completion, the SAARC Development Fund will provide USD 1.7 million for the operation and management of the Center.<\/p>\n Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli<\/a> is scheduled to lay a foundation stone for the establishment on July 22, 2018.<\/p>\n Taking it Further
\n<\/strong>According to the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), the Center is being planned across three ropanis of land on the premises of the Department of Cottage and Small Industries.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>SAARC Charter informed that joint ventures would be established to promote self-sustainability in region\u2019s cottage and handicraft fields.<\/p>\n