The Northern Handicrafts Manufacturers and  Exporters Association(NOHMEX) started in 1991 as a group of 13 Chiang Mai handicraft manufacturers formed to handle issues and problems faced by the handicraft industries in the North of Thailand. The grouping grew and in 1994 was officially registered as a full association of small & medium sized handicraft manufacturers, exporters & related service companies that have banded together to promote and support the development of the handicraft industries and assist in the marketing of their products. The Association member number 250 (and is still growing) and manufacture many types of product. The Association is recognized by and coordinates activities with the following government and private sector organizations.