The first Nepal-India Franchise Investment Expo and Conclave is scheduled to kick off in Capital on May 15. The Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) is organising the expo in association with the Embassy of India to Nepal and Franchise India.

According to the organisers, the two-day expo will develop business networks. It will also promote the expansion of Nepali brands into India and vice versa.

It comes at a time when Indian firms, from food processing industries, restaurants and cosmetics, have shown special interest in investing and opening their franchise in Nepal. Over 50 Indian brands like Britannia and GD Goenka World School, VLCC India, Looks Salon, Nykaa, Fire N Grill India, Bombay Dyeing are interested in setting up shop in Nepal, said organisers.

Similarly, domestic brands like Goldstar and Himalayan Java also plans to enter the Indian market.  Speaking at a press meet, Bhawani Rana, president of FNCCI said that small investment and joint ventures can play a part in the economic development of the country. The expo will be focusing on bringing investment and franchises from India that will help in generating revenue and employment. “This event will be positioned as a follow-up event to the Nepal Investment Summit that concluded recently.”

Kavi Dhoj Pradhan, second secretary at the Embassy of India to Nepal said that this event is very much needed in country like Nepal. “Nepal’s consumption market is driven by modern consumers who are brand conscious,” he said.

“The fashion and food industries have huge scope in the country as Nepali consumers are going abroad and have knowledge in using the best brands. The increasing spending capacity, exposure of social media has also influenced consumer for brands,” he added.

Pradhan said that establishment of Indian franchises also helps in minimising the ballooning trade deficit of the country and contributes in developing entrepreneurship. Small and medium enterprises can also benefit from business tie-ups.

Manjeev Singh Puri, Ambassador of India to Nepal said that it is important for business in Nepal to cater to this aspiring target segment of consumers and summits of this nature will help in bringing iconic Indian brands to Nepal. “Their entry into Nepal would not only bring investment into Nepal but technology transfer and business knowhow,” he said.

According to the organisers, 250 aspiring businesspersons and investors will attend the conclave and more than 1,000 prospective franchises and investors are expected to visit the expo that will showcase different brands representing different industries such as retail, education, fitness, fashion, food and beverage, wellness, real estate, technology and services. There will be an exclusive show for Nepali brands willing to open their franchise in India.

The India-Nepal Franchise Investment Expo will be the premier exhibition showcasing a myriad of international and national brands from different industries, outlining their brand concepts and business operations.