Three bodies of gold, silver dealers forge working alliance

KATHMANDU : Ending long-running conflict, three federations working to safeguard rights of gold and silver dealers and promote locally-made jewelries have agreed to work together to promote jewelry industry and increase export of Nepali jewelries.

Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association (Fenegosida), Federation of Nepal Gold Silver Gem and Jewelry Associations (FNGSGJA) and Federation of Handicraft Association of Nepal (FHAN) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work jointly for betterment of Nepal's jewelry industry and promote Nepali gold and silver products in the international market.

Talking to Republica, immediate past president of Fenegosida Tej Ratna Shakya said that the understanding among three federations is aimed at creating a common voice of Nepal's jewelry industry and coordinating with the government for betterment of the industry. "Though Nepali gold and silver jewelries are highly competitive in terms of quality, we have not been able to export in the absence of favorable policy of the government," Shakya said, adding, "Though export of silver jewelries is satisfactory, we have not been able to export gold jewelries. "

Stating that the conflict among the three federations was affecting the entire jewelry industry, Shakya said: "Our unity will certainly make positive impact on Nepali jewelry industry."

The three federations have also agreed to establish Nepal Gem and Jewelry Council (NGJC) in the near future. The council, which will have representations from all three federations, will study prospects and challenges of jewelry, and strongly raise voice of jewelers. It will also lobby with the government to form Jewelry Promotion Council in the near future.

Ramesh Maharjan, president of FNGSGJA, said that the understanding among jewelers will focus on increasing export of domestic jewelries and discourage import of finished jewelries. He also said the proposed council will focus on producing skilled workforce for the jewelry industry through education and trainings.

Meanwhile, officials of all three federations are participating in International Jewelry Show being held in India from Wednesday. The officials will promote local jewelries and hold talks with jewelers of India and other countries that import Nepali jewelries.

Officials of FHAN said Nepal's jewelry export is not increasing as expect because they lack distinct brand image. They said the three federations should first focus on branding of Nepali jewelries.

Source-myrepublica.com