The 13th edition of Nepal International Industrial Trade Fair and Innovation Expo 2017 kicked off at the Exhibition Hall in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu on Thursday, with the aim at promoting products made by domestic and cottage industries.

Organised with the motto ‘Let’s use Nepali products, Lets be proud of being Nepalis’, the expo was inaugurated by Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara. The five-day expo is being organised by the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI).

“The domestic small and cottage industries are struggling,” said Shyam Prasad Giri, president of FNCSI. “Out of 300,000 registered industries, only 50 percent are in operation. That’s why this kind of expo is very important to promote them.”

The expo boasts 215 stalls where varieties of products ranging from technology to local handicraft are displayed. Stalls of local food, ornaments, stoves, briquettes, carpets, pottery and paintings are some of the attractions at the expo. There are even demonstrations making carpets from handlooms, beating of rice and more. 

Special emphasis has been given to promoting technology at the expo. Modern technology products such as drones, elevators, security sirens, hydraulic machineries are also on display.

“Our security items like trackers, help industries know where their items are,” said Bharat Rimal, who works for Ram Laxman Innovations, a local tech company. “These innovative items really help the industries and are worth their prices.”

The international section of expo  was one of the key areas of attraction for the people looking for unique clothing, handicrafts and technologies. 

“We have big sales in Nepal,” said Ahmed Balasai, who sells leather jackets from Pakistan. “We have been coming here frequently because of the good reception for our products”

“By promoting domestic products, we can reduce the trade deficit, which is ballooning at an alarming level,” said Minister Mahara. “That’s why the government has been encouraging such expos.”

The expo is promoted by the Ministry of Industry, Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Nepal Agricultural Research Council and National Academy of Science and Technology.

The organiser said they have continued the expo due to the success of previous editions.