Seventh Lumbini Expo underway

By Kapil Gyawali,Siddharthanagar, Nov. 21: The 7th edition of the Lumbini Expo–2025 (Industry, Trade, Agriculture, and Tourism Promotion) officially kicked off in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi on Wednesday.

Organised under the theme “Buy Local, Promote Local Markets, Use Domestic Products and Build the Identity of a Self-Respecting Nepali”, the festival will run until December 7, according to Sachin Rokaya, President of the Rupandehi Chamber of Commerce and Coordinator of the main organising committee.

The expo, organised by the Rupandehi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is being held at Anchalpur, Siddharthanagar-8. 

Rokaya said the expo aims to act as a bridge between industrialists, entrepreneurs and consumers. He informed that around 300 stalls have been set up.

Rokaya emphasised that millions of rupees are spent every year to build temporary structures to host the event, stressing the urgent need for a permanent exhibition hall in Bhairahawa. “The festival must be improved and upgraded every year,” he added.

The expo was jointly inaugurated by Lumbini Province Minister for Youth and Sports, Santosh Kumar Pandey, and Siddharthanagar Mayor, Istiyaq Ahmed Khan.

Speaking at the event, Minister Pandey said the private sector has been performing responsibilities that the government should have fulfilled. 

He added that industrialists and entrepreneurs remain the most affected group in the current economic climate. 

Highlighting Nepal’s natural potential, he said tourism is the key foundation for economic prosperity. 

Mayor Khan proposed forming a metropolitan city by merging Siddharthanagar, Rohini, Omsatiya, Mayadevi, and Siyari. 

He praised the Chamber for organising the festival despite the economic slowdown, saying it has inspired other entrepreneurs. He also urged the government to remain alert and work in the interest of the people.

Lumbini Provincial Assembly member Hema Belbase (KC) emphasized the importance of buying local products to strengthen local markets. 

Leaders from various business associations, including Nepal Chamber of Commerce (Lumbini Province) President Tanka Prasad Pokharel and FNCCI Lumbini Province President Krishna Prasad Sharma, said the private sector suffers the most during protests and disorders. 

They added that organising the expo in such a difficult time has helped restore hope amid widespread economic pessimism.