Introduction

Nepal-the country of Mount Everest-is rich in her natural beauty, culture and tradition and the perfect expressions of this richness are abundant in the form of handicrafts, indigenous garments and natural fabrics.

The Nepalese handicrafts and fabrics are not only rich and beautiful but they are useful too. Some of them have artistic value and some have the rustic charm. However, these handicrafts are quite popular among the Western European countries, North America, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and so on.

Motherland Traders (MLT) was registered 26 years ago in the year 1981 with HMG/Nepal, Ministry of Commerce, Department of Commerce. The initial objectives of MLT were to promote export of Nepalese handicrafts and textiles and thus help uplift the economic conditions of the craftsmen and ordinary workers those were directly or indirectly associated with MLT. As MLT also started representing UK companies in Nepal, the objectives are extended further beyond.

MLT has participated in various International trade fairs and is continuing to participate in a regular basis at the Frankfurt International Trade Fair, Minneapolis Gift Mart, and most recently the California Gift Show. MLT has customers in many countries including the USA, Mexico, the UK, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary and Japan.

By the year 1985 the demand for handloom cotton garments, bags and accessories surged and, to meet the growing demand, a sister concern Utility Garments was registered in the same year with HMG/Nepal, Ministry of Industries, Department of Industries. Some seventy-five people are now directly employed in these two firms MLT and Utility Garments, and almost twice these numbers are indirectly involved.

In a bid to provide competitive edge to our customers, we at MLT seek to form a partnership with our customers. We welcome their advice and follow it to fulfill their requirements. Moreover, we keep adding new products and new styles to our range. The current product range include the colourful Felt crafts (i.e. bags, shoes, jewelries, etc.) Himalayan nettle "Allo" and Wild hemp "Bhangro" (i.e. both pesticides and fertilizers free natural fiber) and the luxuriously warm Pashmina shawls and garments.