Kathmandu: The 17th International Footwear Industrial Fair has begun with an objective of marketing the Nepali products and preparing base for economic prosperity.
President Bidya Devi Bhandari today inaugurated the three-day fair. There are 170 stalls in the fair organised by the Footwear Manufacturers’ Association Nepal.
Footwear manufactured in and outside the country have been kept in the fair.
Fair Coordinator Suraj Banjade said 40 international companies have been participating in the fair.
Increase domestic production for self-reliant economy: President Bhandari
President Bidya Devi Bhandari has pointed out the need for increasing domestic production to contribute to a self-reliant economy. Sustainable use of resources available in the country is equally important, President Bhandari added.
Proper use and mobilization of labours, skills and raw material can boost production, which could be exported for reducing trade loss, President Bhandari suggested. “In the present competitive age, diversification of production and interest of consumers should be considered for developing branding and international marketing of the products,” she viewed.
According to her, the footwear industry has significant role to prop up Nepal’s economy. She hoped the fair would help foster government-private sector partnership.
On the occasion, Minister without portfolio, Damodar Bhandari, viewed the government was positive to promote domestic production. The common minimum programme the government is bringing would address the problems facing this sector, he added.
Similarly, FNCCI Chairperson Sekhar Golchha viewed there is huge potential of the export of Nepal footwear, which the government can facilitate to help realize it.
There are 130 stalls in the fair where 90 domestic and 40 international brand products are in display and sale.
