Kathmandu, February 21

The Cottage and Small Industries Development Committee (CSIDC) is organising the 28th edition of the National Industrial Goods Exhibition in the Capital from Thursday with an aim to promote domestic goods and services.

The event will be organised at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall with the theme of ‘Feel Proud of Made in Nepal, Use Domestic Product’.

Organising a press conference today, CSIDC officials said that the committee has been holding the event annually in a bid to narrow down the country’s trade deficit by substituting imports. “The event will be a platform where micro entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services. They will be able to brand their goods in the domestic as well as international market through the event,” said Rajendra Mishra, acting deputy executive director of CSIDC.

As small and cottage industries have high contribution to Nepal’s economy, organisers said that there is a need to promote local products and make people aware about consuming them. According to CSIDC officials, the event will have participation of micro entrepreneurs from different districts who will showcase their products through more than 300 stalls. Textile products, handmade paper, fabrics, wooden and bamboo crafts, woollen products, herbal products, leather goods, allo products, dhaka, kitchen utensils, among others will be showcased in the event.

Mishra informed that CSIDC has been offering training and skill development programmes targeting micro entrepreneurs of the country to boost entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, CSIDC will also award different successful micro, cottage and small industries and entrepreneurs during the event under different headings. According to Mishra, CSIDC will award Rs 30,000 to the best entrepreneur and Rs 20,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 each to the first, second and third industries selected in 15 different categories.

On the occasion, micro entrepreneurs also urged the government to strictly implement the Directive to Use Domestic Products in Public Offices, 2013.