The 6th International Trade Fair kicked off at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall on Thursday with the aim of promoting Nepali goods by bringing together national and international exhibitors to exchange knowledge and new ideas in product development. 

A wide range of handicraft goods, agricultural products, construction materials, medical products, metal and steel, leather goods, furniture and IT products, among others, are on display at the expo. Inaugurating the event, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that Nepal was a fertile land for investment, and urged the national and international community to invest here without hesitation.

He added that an investment-friendly environment had been established in Nepal. Investment opportunities will be expanded further to generate more employment opportunities, he said. 

Dahal said that the government was planning to construct a sophisticated building at Chobhar to hold fairs and seminars. “Thursday’s Cabinet meeting will approve the project,” he added. “The government is ready to work together with the private sector to achieve economic growth.”

Pashupati Muraraka, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that the fair aimed to promote Nepali goods at the national and international levels. “It will be a platform for buyers and sellers to promote and market their products.” 

Likewise, Bhawani Rana, senior vice-president of the FNCCI, urged the government to create a safe and business-friendly environment so that the country would see a big flow of investment. 

Exhibitors from China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Thailand, Bhutan and other countries are participating in the expo. 

The expo hosts 304 stalls displaying textiles, herbs, handicraft and agricultural and industrial products. It has been jointly organized by the government and the FNCCI, and will run until March 20.