International Trade Fair kicks off
KATHMANDU:
The government has pledged to soon construct an exhibition centre of international standards in Kathmandu, which business people have been seeking since long. In the inauguration ceremony of a five-day long international trade fair organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in the Capital today, Minister for Commerce and Supplies Sunil Bahadur Thapa said that the government will soon begin construction of a well-facilitated exhibition centre on 400 ropanis of land in Chobhar of Kathmandu.
The government has decided to develop an exhibition centre and container freight station on 900
ropanis of land. A state-owned company — Himal Cement — used to own that land earlier.
“Traders will benefit from the exhibition centre,” said Thapa at the inauguration function of Nepal International Trade Fair-2015. There are altogether 165 stalls in the fair, in which exhibitors from seven countries have displayed various products. The trade fair is largely participated by the countries from South Asia region.
FNCCI has said the fair has been organised to explore opportunities in trade and investment by expanding business-to-business (B2B) relations instead of promotion of products and services. Bangladesh is the partner country for this trade fair, according to Pradeep Jung Pandey, president of FNCCI. There are 90 stalls from Bangladesh, which is the highest number of stalls after the host country.
“Trade potential of South Asia is underutilised and we should explore the opportunities thoroughly within the region as well,” said Mohommad Abidul Ajam, leader of the Bangladeshi delegation.
Similarly, there are 28 and 21 exhibitors participating from India and China, respectively. Another SAARC member country Pakistan has 22 stalls and Bhutan has two stalls in the fair.
Malaysia and Taiwan are also participating in the fair, with one stall each.
Likewise, Nepali exhibitors of various districts have put up 175 stalls.
Nepal has focused on medicinal herbs and herbal products in the exhibition, with around 55 stalls of such products. In addition, products included in the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy have individual stalls.
The trade fair is managed by Dubai-based Orange Fairs and Events.The government has extended support of Rs six million for the trade fair. It has also garnered support from Etihad Airlines, Global IME Bank, Premier Insurance, Ganesh Cargo and Dabur Nepal, among other private ventures. More than 200,000 people are expected to visit the fair, as per FNCCI.
Source: THT
