Nepal 13th International Industrial Trade Fair and Innovation Expo 2017 will be held from 20th to 24th April in Exhibition Hall of Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The organisers of the programme are Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) and Ministry of Science and Technology.

The five day expo will contain 236 stalls, 60 of them belonging to innovative technology researchers, 35 belonging to promoters of women’s industries, 10 dedicated to industries of forests and agriculture and the rest are designated to the various stakeholders of small industries. 

The expo aims to introduce innovation and technology in the smaller industries of the country. “We are far behind in production because of lack of innovation and technology,” said the president of FNCSI, Shyam Prasad Giri.

The expo will exhibit modern ICT (Information Communication Technology) equipment, introduce methods of utilising and maximising alternative energy sources and also interact with sellers from various areas for an interexchange of ideas. The expo will demonstrate a multitude of successful and innovative products that come from Nepal and the rest of the world such as handicrafts, carpets, Pashminas, fiber products, etc. 

Alternate energy sources like bio-gas, solar power and hydropower will also be explored at the expo to help utilise these energy sources in local levels, according to organisers. The foreign stalls, namely of Chinese and Indian background, will focus on demonstration of technology and innovation, according to the organisers. “Industries will also be assisted in finding the perfect labour for their operation,” said Giri. Employment firms like ILO and Department of Labour will also be present to match companies with potential employees. 

The expo will include various cultural shows, musical programs, fashion shows along with seminars and workshops  focusing on national issues and international trade promotion. These seminars will focus on stimulating ideas of capital outreach, capacity building, technological advancement and institutional development.

The expo will be open from 10am to 6pm. Local companies can book a stall for Rs30,000-50,000 while foreign based companies will be charged $800-1,000. More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the 5 day expo with over Rs60 million in transactions. 

The expo is held in partnership with Ministry of Industry, Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, National Academy of Science and Technology and Forest and Farm Facility.