BUTWAL, Jan. 3: The Industrial and Business Fair-2003 has become an initiator of industrial revival by bringing together manufacturers, distributors and consumers in a single arena. The fair, started from December 26 under the joint auspices of Nepal Chambers of Commerce and Butwal Association of Commerce and Industries, has provided opportunity for the producers, sellers and consumers to come together in a single place, promoted identity and market expansion of different consumer items and facilitated existing market systems.
The fair has become successful in its aim to show the local people, who are traditionally inclined towards Indian goods, that Nepalese products also are no less attractive, cheap and of better quality in comparison with equivalent Indian items.
More than 320 stalls with handicrafts, agricultural products, foods, automobiles, furniture, products of cottage and small industries, recently developed items in the field of information technology, things of cultural significance etc are on display at the fair.
The fair is visited daily by thousands of consumers from different districts like Dang, Bardiya, Pyuthan, Chitwan, Kaski, Tanahu etc and from Indian cities. Typical Bhaktapur bricks kept at the fair are a focus of attraction, says Dipendra Jha of Janakpur who has come to visit the fair.
Traditional Nepalese foods, mainly common in mountainous regions, like Dhido (porridge like food), Gundruk (item of dried vegetable leafs) and other items of millet and corn also have been kept at the fair.
Likewise, materials used for the preparation of different dairy products like yoghurt and different sorts of fruits have been kept at the fair. A single bunch having 570 bananas kept at the fair by a farmer of Motipur VDC has surprised the visitors.
The different cultural shows and dance items performed in the fair have promoted and encouraged the preservation of arts and culture in the country, says artiste Amar Birahi Gurung. Different business and industrial institutes and firms from China, America, Germany, Iran, Pakistan and Bangaldesh have also participated in the fair.