Handicraft is an important sector, which has played a very significant role in thecountry’s economy not only in providing employment to a vast segment of craftsmen in Kathmandu valley and other regions but also in terms of generating substantial foreign exchange for the country.

In the last 25 years, export of handicrafts of the country has significantly grown and encouragingly diversified to more than 50 countries. Nepal’s handicraft presents its unique image and identification in international arena. It also help in the conservation of national tradition and heritage of the country.

Handicrafts produced in Nepal could be categorized mainly as:

Traditional/conventional handicrafts include the products such as metal statues, ethniccostumes, traditional silver and gold jewelleries, ceramic products, wood carving, religious and ritual objects, handloom products, handmade Nepalese paper, stone sculptures, metal utensil, Paubha (Thankas) painting, filigree products etc.

Contemporary/Modern handicrafts are home furnishing materials, floor coverings, modern paintings, pashmina products, puzzle toys macramé’s (knot crafts), leather products, gift wares, decorative items, crazy hats, natural buttons made of bone and horns of domesticanimals.USA, UK, Germany, franch Nethelands, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, Italy, Australia are the major markets for these products.