In a bid to honor handicraft entrepreneurs and aid in the global expansion of Nepali handicrafts, the Himalayan International Expo is set to take place from Ashwin 17-19 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The event aims to showcase Nepal’s rich handicraft heritage while creating opportunities for international trade and investment.
According to Kapil Adhikari, the chairperson of the organizing committee, the expo will feature a variety of stalls exhibiting handicraft products made from natural fibers like allo, sisno, banana, bamboo, ketuki, and jackfruit bark. The event will also showcase Bhaktapur’s traditional pottery, wooden artifacts made by the Raute and Chepang communities, and cosmetic products derived from organic sources, including honey-based beauty products.
In addition to this, the expo will display a wide range of Nepali products such as pashmina, stonework, malas, curios, carpets, garments, glass pipes, Nepali handmade paper, sculptures, metalwork, woodwork, felt items, jewelry, handmade papers and packaging, Dhaka fabrics, herbal products, and decorations. Services related to the tourism industry will also be featured.
The organizers aim to boost the export of Nepali products, contributing to the country’s economic growth. Hundreds of foreign traders and buyers, particularly from the United States, Canada, Europe, China, India, and other countries, are expected to attend.
The Himalayan Expo has been a long-time promoter of Nepali handicrafts, organizing fairs in various countries to broaden the market for Nepali products. In recent years, annual expos have been held in the USA, Canada, and the UK, with the most recent one completed in the United States just a few months ago. Following the event in Nepal, more expos are planned in other nations.
The Himalayan International Expo operates under a B2B model and is regarded as Nepal’s largest handicraft exhibition. Buyers from around the world attend the event to explore business opportunities. The primary goal of the expo is to showcase and promote the handicraft industry, helping to introduce Nepali products to the global market. The event also aims to create investment and trade opportunities for stakeholders involved in the handicraft sector.
