The export of handicraft products has increased by 39.66 percent during the first six months of the current fiscal year 2011/12.

According to Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), Nepal exported handicraft products worth Rs. 2.08 billion during the first six months of the current fiscal year while the same stood at Rs. 1.49 billion during the same period last fiscal year.

The USA and European countries have remained the major importers of Nepali handicraft products. The importing countries include Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, France, Italy, Denmark and Canada.

The US alone imported handicraft products worth Rs 60.89 million while Germany imported goods worth Rs. 19.30 million during this period.

Meanwhile, handicraft entrepreneurs have formed a Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) Cell for the development of handicraft, pashmina, handmade paper, woolen products and silver jewelry. nepalnews.com