Exports of handicrafts rose 11 percent in fiscal year 2004-2005, earning Rs 2.84 billion, said the Handicraft Association of Nepal (HAN). The increase was due to the addition of 16 products to the \'export basket, according to HAN President Pancha Ratna Shakya, speaking at the group's 26th AGM. Sales to the UAE zoomed up by 347 percent, to Hong Kong 95 percent and to Tibet 70 percent. HAN also repeated its call that the government exempt cottage industries from paying income tax.