The regional fair became successful in meeting the objectives of enhancing trade between the SAARC countries and promoting products and services available in the region, according to the organizers.[break]
“The main objective of the fair was to create a platform for traders in the region to explore trade opportunities and to update and further strengthen the relationship among the people of SAARC nations. We are very happy to say that the fair has become successful in meeting the set objectives,” said Tej Singh Bista, director of Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC) - the organizer of the event.
Trade delegates from the SAARC countries say the fair has provided them a perfect platform to promote and expand their business in Nepal. Many of them have found local partners to promote their products and services in Nepal. The organizer had allocated a few hours in the opening two days of the fair as the business hour.
“We are grateful to the traders that they have put their individual effort to find their partners here. Many of them have already selected their partners while some are in the process of negotiation,” Bista added.
Jamdani saris from Bangladesh, leather jackets and kitchenware from Pakistan, tea and herbal products from Sri Lanka, potatoes from Bhutan, fitness equipment and cosmetic products from India and pashmina, coffee and organic products from Nepal were the major attractions of the five-day event.
“The business at the fair was very encouraging. I managed to sell more than 40 Jamdani saris,” said Rafiqul Islam, proprietor of Sufia Jamdani Weaving Factory of Bangladesh. Similarly, Pakistan-based Mask Promoters, which has been exporting kitchenware, garments and precious stones in about 10 countries, recorded turnover of more than Rs 500,000.
Bista said stalls displaying herbal and organic products remained busy all the five days as people all over the world are giving much priority to organic products in recent years.
More than 200,000 people visited the fair which had more than 300 stalls from the SAARC countries. Apart from local visitors, the event also attracted visitors from SAARC member nations as well as other countries.
The fair recorded the transaction of about Rs 220 million, according to the organizers.
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