Kathmandu, November 16:

Third Nepal Exterior Interior Expo 2006 kicked off at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall, today.

Organised by Global Exposition & Management Services Pvt Ltd (GEMS), the three-day long event is bringing architects, contractors, engineers, interior designers, policymakers, manufactures, sellers, buyers, and public under a ro-of. 60 different companies from Nepal, India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany and Japan are taking part in the expo, where there are 170 stalls.

Inaugurating the expo, Hridayesh Tripathi, minister for industry, commerce and supplies urged the exhibitors to inform potential customers and public about quality products and services. “Quality is a crucial issue in the context of globalisation and only quality products and services could compete in the market,” he added.

Tripathi underlined the need for promoting professionalism in the business and entrepreneurial activities. He also suggested to organise such expos outside the Kathmandu valley.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) said that Nepali private sector is ready to extend any support in making ‘new Nepal’. “After political settlement, our new agenda should be making country economically prosperous and developed,” he said adding that if the private sector is negated again, the dream of making ‘new Nepal’ economically prosperous would fail.

“The real estate industry is at its boom currently and such expo will give the potential buyers an opportunity to see, compare, decide and know all that there is at the ever changing market today,” said Sukunta Lal Hirachan, president of Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal (FCAN).

A whole range of products including building chemicals, water treatment plant, wooden flooring, roofing, solar water, air conditioner, sanitary products, wrought iron furniture, water purifier, modular kitchen, parquet, paneling and tile are on display at the show. The event is being supported by FNCCI, FCA-N, Society of Consulting, Architectural and Engineering Firms and Interior Designer Association of Nepal. The expo is expected to draw about 70,000 visitors. The entrance fee is fixed at Rs 25 per head.