The seven-day expo has brought together domestic footwear companies and producers and suppliers of raw materials under one roof. The expo is being organized by Leather Footwear and Goods Manufacturers Association of Nepal.[break]
Inaugurating the expo, Hom Nath Upadhyay, president of the association, said Nepali footwear holds 55 percent share in the domestic market. “This figure shows that Nepalis are gradually shifting towards Nepali products," said Upadhyay.
The expo has are 80 stalls of 50 different companies like Takura, Gold Star, Run, Royal, Shikhar, Variety, Fitrite, Leather Wings, Bf Dear Hill, Typical, Mega, Sky Shoes and National, among others. These companies are showcasing leather shoes, slippers, jacket, belt, purse and other leather products, offering special discounts.
“Events like these have proved beneficial for both manufacturers and customers. Visitors can get leather products at affordable price, while the manufacturers will get an opportunity to know about products and prices rates of other companies,” added Upadhyay.
According to the organizers, the expo will provide the visitors information about the price and quality of Nepali leather goods. The companies will also have the opportunity to collect feedbacks from consumers, which will help them improve the quality and design of their products, they said.
“Leather goods have become dearer by 20 to 25 percent this year, compared to last year, mainly because of the rise in price of law materials, strengthening of dollar vis-à-vis Nepali rupee and rise in labor costs,” said Upadhyay. “Besides, increasing power cuts have raised our production cost by around Rs 40 per pair.”
The leather goods manufacturers have requested the government to provide subsidy on diesel and tax relaxation while importing generators.
Domestic leather good manufacturers import 80 percent of their raw materials from India and China. Rest is source locally.
Products at the expo are priced between Rs 200 and Rs 10,000. The organizers are expecting around 150,000 visitors.
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