Kathmandu. Unnati and Marriott Business Council South Asia have signed a strategic partnership to promote Nepal’s traditional skills, women entrepreneurship and locally produced handicrafts to the international hospitality market.

Unnati Chaudhary is an initiative under the foundation that works to connect Nepali traditional skills, women entrepreneurship and local handmade products to the market.

President of Chaudhary Foundation Nirvana Chaudhary and Kiran Endicott of Marriott Business Council, South Asia signed the agreement to this effect. The signing ceremony was graced by the Chairman of Chaudhary Group Mr. Binod Chaudhry, Chairman of Marriott International Mr. David Marriott and senior representatives from both the organizations.

The purpose of this collaboration is to connect Nepali local products produced by Nepali handicraft, women entrepreneurs, and community-based producer groups to the international market and explore possibilities of showcasing these products across Marriott and its associated hotels. The initiative is expected to promote Nepali handicraft products and local products in the international hospitality sector and also create opportunities for the local communities.

Under the collaboration, Unnati will develop and select products suitable for hotel operation and corporate gifting through its exclusive brand Shea. Sia is a premium brand of progress. It will also identify and mobilize qualified handicraft manufacturers and women-led enterprises, ensure product quality and originality, branding, storytelling, and impact assessment.

Under the agreement, Marriott will provide product guidance to its hotels, explore the possibility of showcasing and promoting selected Nepali products in its hotels, and facilitate discussions with hotel owners on incorporating Unutina’s products into the hotel’s operating supplies and equipment.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Chaudhary Foundation Nirvana Chaudhary said that Nepal has rich tradition of handicraft and entrepreneurship and it should be recognized in the world as well. He expressed his confidence that this collaboration will provide a great opportunity to empower local communities especially by linking women entrepreneurs and handicraft producers to the international market.

The partnership aims to support inclusive economic growth while preserving and promoting Nepal’s cultural heritage. This initiative is expected to further strengthen Nepal’s handicraft sector by creating an opportunity for locally produced products to reach global consumers and promote sustainable enterprise development throughout the country.

Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to promote socially responsible business practices, empower local producers, and establish Nepal’s unique cultural identity on the global stage through innovative partnerships.