KATHMANDU, Dec 19: Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN) is organizing the 13th National Industrial Expo 2016 at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu from December 20 to 26.
The seven-day event is supported by Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN).
The expo will showcase different footwear varieties like leather shoes, sports shoes, casual shoes, sandals for men and women, and school and college uniform and other apparel. It will also showcase raw materials used in production of footwear. Similarly, food stalls showcasing different delicacies will be the other attraction of the expo.
According to the federation, the main objective of the expo is to provide different types of footwear as well as shirting and suiting materials under one roof, and to promote locally manufactured products.
Officials of the federation say that Nepali footwear producers can provide employment to many people and it help in country's development and give a boost to economy.
There are around 2,000 footwear manufacturers in the country, according to the federation. It also said that the sector is providing employment to more than 2.5 million people.
The federation estimates that local production meets 60-65 percent of the demand for footwear.
The expo will have 125 stalls and the organizers are expecting around 100,000 footfalls. The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 25. However, people with disabilities, students and senior citizens get free entry to the event.
Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun is scheduled to inaugurate the event on Tuesday.