Kathmandu, February 12:

The curtains for the fifth Leather Goods and Footwear Expo-2008 have been closed down today after successfully drawing about 100,000 visitors.

The six-day event that began on February 7 also registered the business transaction worth about seven million. Organised by Leather Footwear and Goods Manufacturers’ Association of Nepal (LFGMAN), the event was focused at promoting domestic production and market exploration for the Nepali footwear products and accessories.

A wide range of leather goods including shoes, sandals, sport shoes, sneakers, bags, purses, jackets manufactured locally as well as accessories were put on display cum sales under a single roof.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), criticised the government for not being supportive to promote domestic industry and goods.

He said that the entire industrial sector is facing a hardship due to load shedding, frequent strikes and fragile security situation in the country.

According to LFGMAN, Nepal consumes about 12.5 million pairs of shoes and sandals annually. The current domestic production is estimated to be around five million pairs and, the figure is rising every year by an average 15 per cent.

According to LFGMAN, Nepal consumes about 300,000 pieces of leather jackets and various bags each every year, whereas there is a demand of over 700,000 pieces of other leather goods like purse, wallet, diary cover and penholders.

The expo was supported by FNCCI, NCC, FHAN and Export Promotion Board.