NMEFM and its event partner, United Nations Development Program (UNDP), termed the five-day expo as being successful in terms of promoting products of cottage and micro-enterprises. "We had estimated the total turnover to stand at Rs 10 million. But the final transaction volume well exceeded our expectations," said Kesha Kumari Pariyar, president of NMEFM.[break]
The fair had attracted 50,000 visitors, well above 30,000 anticipated by the organizers.
Padam Bahadur Lama, one of the participants of the expo, said he sold thanka paintings worth Rs 150,000 in the five-day event. "The turnover has excited me," he stated.
Another entrepreneur Chitrakali Budha Magar, who runs Kothi Himal Kapda Allo Udhyo in Pyuthan, said she successfully sold goods worth Rs 192,500 at the expo. "I took part in this event especially to promote allo products and build relations with wholesalers and retailers. My participation proved fruitful," she stated.
Pariyar, who is also the expo coordinator, said the event has played an instrumental role in familiarizing customers in Kathmandu about products of cottage and micro-entreprises. "This has created optimism among all participants, raising a confidence that they too can build market linkages and find strong market in the capital," she stated.
Micro-entrepreneurs from 50 districts of Nepal had taken part in the expo. The stalls were divided into three categories, namely green service, agro-based and emerging ones. Through a total of 53 stalls, the micro-entrepreneurs showcased their tailoring skills and products like garment made from Allo and hemp fibers, dolls, cyber café, beauty saloon, bio-briquette, dhaka, laha bangle, thanka, Mithila art, woolen goods, bamboo products, spices, pulses, fruit juice, fruits, vegetables, Allo products and herbal soaps, among others.
Micro entrepreneurship over the years has been creating jobs in the rural villages. Mostly women and people from the marginalized communities have been benefiting from micro-entrepreneurship programs launched by the the government and other agencies. However, in the absence of proper market linkages they have been failing to reap due returns.
"Considering this gap and also the warm response received during the expo, we are planning to organize similar event in other cities of the country soon," said Pariyar.
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