Industrial trade fair attracts 100,000 visitors

Kathmandu, April 23

The 13th International Trade Fair and Innovation Expo, which is underway in the Capital since Thursday, has attracted nearly 100,000 visitors by the fourth day, according to the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries — the organiser of the event.

Similarly, business worth more than Rs 44.5 million has been conducted during the event till today. The five-day exhibition of domestic and foreign goods will conclude on Monday. “The exhibition is receiving overwhelming response from visitors despite the challenging weather conditions in Kathmandu at present,” Shyam Prasad Giri, president of FNCSI, said.

Informing that cottage and small industries are under low priority of the government, Giri said that the exhibition, besides promoting Nepali goods, also targets to bring together industrial stakeholders and discuss on prospects and challenges faced by small and cottage industries. “The government and other stakeholders should realise development of micro industries is the base for industrial growth and overall development of the country.”

The fair is basically promoting local products of small and cottage industries. Products being promoted in the event include dhaka, pashmina, ceramics, carpets, handicraft products, agro products including different herbs, footwear, wooden crafts, among others. Similarly, the exhibition is also promoting the use of different technologies in industrial production. In total, the event has 215 stalls of which 57 stalls are related to technology, 25 are showcasing products manufactured by women entrepreneurs, and 10 stalls are branding forestry and herbal products, among others.

As per FNCSI, exhibition is also offering Nepali and foreign businesses a chance to meet, share experiences and reach business deals. Entrepreneurs from countries like India, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh have been promoting their industrial products through 30 stalls.

FNCSI has a target to conduct business worth Rs 60 million during the five-day event.