The 14th edition of Handicraft Trade Fair, organised by the Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (Fhan), kicked off at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall on Friday.

The five-day expo showcases a wide range of handmade products manufactured across the country along with handicraft items made in Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Tibet.

Some of the items available at the fair are textile and readymade garments made out of felt, silk and acrylic; honey extracted from wild bees; metal and wood crafts; trekking equipment; herbal products; interior decor items; and furniture made out of pulp.

There are altogether seven pavilions and 176 stalls.

Visitors can purchase these products at a discounted price at the exhibition, said an organiser.

Fhan has organised the trade fair in association with the Commerce Ministry and Trade and Export Promotion Centre.

The theme of this year’s fair is “Prospects for Prosperity”.

Inaugurating the fair, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun said the joint effort of the government and the private sector could help in promotion of local products in both domestic and international markets.

Individual traders are hopeful that the trade fair would help in promoting their businesses.

Hari Sharma, proprietor of Logo Fashion, Bhaktapur, said he expected the exhibition to spread the word about this company, which, according to him, is crucial at a time when he is planning to expand his business.

Logo has been selling cardigans, jumpers and coats, among others, made out of fusion of wool and acrylic fibres. The cost of each coat and sweater hovers around Rs 1,500-Rs 3,000, while other casual wears are available at around Rs 500-Rs 1,000. Friends Handicrafts, on the other hand, has put on display a wide range of accessories made out of felt.

Declining to disclose her name, an attendant at the Friends’s stall said the company exports most of the products made out of felt such as bags, footwear, decorative items and wallets.

Likewise, Himalayan Herbal, an Ilam-based company, is showcasing herbal tea at the exhibition. Yamuna Shrestha, an attendant at the stall, said the herbal tea is beneficial for those suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes. Wide varieties of tea are available at the stall for Rs 275-Rs 500 per 100 gm. The exhibition also has put on display winter clothes. Rabi Tuladhar, an attendant at the stall of Mountain Trekking Equipment Shop, said demand for jackets made of silicon was growing lately. “The outfit ensures high quality and is reasonably priced.”

The government through the expo has also sought to promote nine priority products listed in Nepal Trade Integration Strategy 2016.  During the expo, the 12th Craft Competition will also be held to promote the skills of artisans, craft entrepreneurs and people engaged in craft making.

The trade fair is estimated to attract 200,000 people and see transactions worth Rs 100 million.