Sixth Nepal Chamber Expo kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 19: The sixth edition of Nepal Chamber Expo-2023 kicked off at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu on Thursday.

Various domestic goods, including handicrafts, herbal products, garments along with international products are kept on display and sale in the five-day expo organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce. Similarly, automobiles, electrical goods, fashion wears, leather goods are also on display and sale in the expo. Industrialists from different countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have participated in the fair.

Inaugurating the expo, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari said that the government is committed to creating a private sector-friendly environment.

He said that the government is ready to cooperate with the private sector through industry and business-friendly policy.

“The private sector should run the business. And the role of the government is to facilitate. So, the private sector should look at the areas of opportunities for expanding their business,” 

he said.

Stating that our neighbouring countries - India and China - are potential markets for Nepali products, he said that the country failed to tap the market opportunities due to lack of production.

He stressed on the need for increasing production of potential items and exporting them.

Minister Bhandari said that the government is doing homework to prevent Nepali youth from going abroad by creating jobs within the country.

“Industry cannot develop without making employment dignified and systematic in the country. If the youth feel that employment in Nepal is secure and dignified, the tendency to go abroad for employment will be lower,” he said.

On the occasion, secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Madhu Marasini said that the trade fair would be fruitful in keeping the economy running.

He said, “I believe that trade fairs play a significant role in making the economy vibrant by creating demand and supply and employment. The government is also making policy arrangements to hold such trade fairs at the central and local levels.”

He said that although the country has an export capacity of more than Rs. 900 billion, it has not been exploited.

President of NCC Rajendra Malla said that the trade fair was organised to increase business activities even in difficult economic conditions.

The NCC will emphasise on interaction, exchange of information on import and export and marketing of Nepali goods.

He requested the government to facilitate the customs clearance of the goods coming from abroad and to allow the goods to be returned after the programme is over.

He said, “I urge the government that if an international level expo site can be established, it will further support the country's export business.''

"Chamber Expo will also be very effective in enhancing the competitiveness of domestic businessmen by means of cooperation with the foreign business community,” he said.