KATHMANDU, April 21: The 13th International Industrial Trade Fair kicked off at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu from Thursday.  

The expo is being jointly organized by Federation Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI), Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Industry with an objective of promoting products of cottage and small industries in domestic as well as international market.

The five-day long has altogether 215 stalls of countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China as well as Nepal. 

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Krishna Bahadur Mahara said that economic development is not possible unless industries established low capital are prioritized. "There is a need to encourage people involved in micro, small and cottage industries. This sector will not flourish unless the government brings special program for development of small and cottage industries in rural areas of the country," he added.

The organizers are expecting participation of around 100,000 visitors. The expo is expected to record transactions worth Rs 60 million.

 
• 13th international industrial trade fair
 
• kicks off