KATHMANDU, Feb 28: Entrepreneurs in small and cottage industries based in rural areas have said that finding market for their products is a big challenge for them.

Talking to Republica, entrepreneurs participating in the 28th Industrial and Technological Expo called on the government to do the needful for addressing this constraint. Khadga Bahadur Gurung, an entrepreneur of Sidhhipur-4 in Udayapur involved in production of sculptures from bamboo roots said that he as well as other entrepreneurs have to walk for almost half an hour to reach the market to sell their products. “Beltar VDC is the nearest marketplace for entrepreneurs like us. As the market is not much big, our products remain unsold many a times,” he said, adding that entrepreneurs like him were facing difficulty to continue business. 

He also urged the government to take necessary initiatives for building market linkages small and cottage enterprises.

Gurung, however, is enthralled with the responses that he has received from the expo. “It has provided me a great platform to promote my products in Kathmandu. Visitors here have found my products cheaper compared to sculpture made from other materials,” he said, suggesting the government to organize similar events in different part of the country to encourage small-time entrepreneurs.

Likewise, Sarita Mandal of Dhanusha, who is involved in making Mithila paintings, said Kathmandu is a big market for entrepreneurs like her. “People in Dhanusha are not much interested in Mithila paintings. Mithila painters have to bring their products to Kathmandu as many people here are interested to buy handicraft products,” she added. Mandal also urged the government to make it easier for entrepreneurs in small and cottage industries to bring their products to large markets like Kathmandu.

The 28th National Industrial and Technological Exhibition is being organized by Cottage and Small Industries Development Board. According to the board, the expo is being organized to promote productions of cottage and small industries in domestic as well as international market.

Around 300 stalls are showcasing Dhaka fabric products, leather products, handicrafts, woolen products, bamboo products, handmade paper products, among others, in the expo. The best stall will be honored with cash prize of Rs 30,000 on the closing day, according to the organizers. The expo is concluding on Tuesday.

The organizers have set a target of attracting 300,000 visitors and recording transactions worth around Rs 50 million during the six-day expo.

 
• entrepreneurs
 
• cottage industries
 
• mithila painters