KATHMANDU: International Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Meet Trade Fair began here today to mark the 100th International Woman’s Day.

The four-day fair is being organised by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Federation of women Entrepreneur Association (FWEAN) and World Fair Trade Organisation Asia (WFTOA) to celebrate womanhood and women empowerment. The motive of the fair trade is to provide a base for local market produce encouraging women to pursue economic freedom.

On the occasion, the SAARC Chamber Craft Village was also inaugurated in Pulchowk today. “With the main objectives to empower women entrepreneurs, we have launched the fair and the village today, as well as to promote handicrafts and local produce,” said Chandra Prasad Kachhipati, President of WFTOA.

Along with the fair, the organisers have also invited experts from India to conduct a three-day workshop for women entrepreneurs on skill exchange and development.

“We are looking to promote the SME’s in a big way for 2011 as well, we are also trying to initiate and promote village tourism and are looking to be successful as far as the next four days are concerned,” Kachhipati added.

Many well-known local SME’s are displaying their products at the fair where there is a total of 120 stalls. The fair will conclude on March 11.