Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, June 6:

With an objective of promoting Nepali exportable goods and tourism in the Middle East, a five-day long ‘Promote Nepal 2005’ trade-fair-cum business event is being organised in Doha, capital city of Qatar from June 14 to 18. The event will have a wide display of Nepali products ranging from handicrafts, handmade paper and products, tea, coffee and spices, instant noodle, handloom garments, pashmina, carpet, Nepali décor bricks, fresh fruit and green vegetables. Travel trade entrepreneurs, manpower recruiting agencies, money transfer companies and banks will be participating in the event, being jointly organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Nepal Pavilion Company and Salt Trading Corporation Ltd (STCL) in association with Nepali embassy, based in Doha. Gulf Air is the official carrier for the event.

“This is first of its kind of event being organised in a Gulf country targeting both Nepalis working there and business community from Arabian world,” said Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, president of NCC, said at a press meet, today. He also informed that such an event would also be organised in other parts of the world to promote Nepali exports, tourism and attract foreign investment in Nepal. Altogether 40 different companies are showcasing their products and services at the event. A delegation of manpower agencies here in Nepal, in coordination with Nepal Association of Foreign Employment Agencies, will be interacting with employers from the Gulf Countries present during the event. The event is being held at City Centre, which is located at the main business hub of Doha, informed Parmeshwar Mahaseth, chief executive office of STCL.

According to him, STCL has been exporting fresh fruits and green vegetables from last year, which has been stalled due to lack of cold storage facilities at Tribhuvan International Airport and increased freight charges. “There is a huge demand for green vegetables and fresh fruits not only in Qatar but in the entire Gulf region,” he said, adding, “If we could tap in a little portion of it, Nepali agro-products will get very competitive prices.” Besides, traditional Nepali cultural shows, food festival and entertainment programmes will be additional features of the event, said the organisers. The event is coinciding with the Second South of Group 77, which is also being held in Doha from June 12 to 16. Top leaders, including head of state and head of governments, are taking part in the summit of 132-member bloc. “The event timing is exceptionally good, since we will be able to showcase our products and services to leaders and visitors from around the globe,” said Shrestha.