Minister Shrestha stresses for youth retention in gold, silver business

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 17: The 21st Annual General Meeting and the 7th Session of the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealer’s Association Kathmandu on Saturday unanimously elected Rohnia Devi Shakya as the president. She served as a secretary in the last executive committee.

Inaugurating the session, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Minister for Youth and Sports, said that the gold and silver business is history in itself as it existed even during the Lichhavi period in the country. 

However, it had been a matter of concern as youth interest in the business was slowly declining. 

He said that the Ministry of Youth and Sports would come up with some plans to retain the youth in the business. 

Additionally, he suggested the association to coordinate with the sports sector under social responsibility. He said, “Gold jewellery craft of the country could be exhibited across the country. 

But, due to lack of policies, it has not happened.”

Manik Ratna Shakya, president of the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers and Traders Federation, said that the smuggling is not caused by traders involved in the market, but by external elements. This business, which can show the art of Nepal abroad, is now being looked at wrongly and is being discredited. This is happening because there are no policies and rules.