Trade fairs boost economy and tourism : FNCCI president

RANJHA, BANKE: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has said trade fairs and festivals help boost the economy and tourism. He made the remarks while inaugurating the Kohalpur Festival‑2025, which kicked off in Banke on Wednesday.

He said the fairs and festivals organised across the country play their part in economic activity and that the social sector would also see change through such events.

President Dhakal said that he and the central office‑bearers of the FNCCI had arrived despite adverse weather and that the enthusiasm of the people and entrepreneurs at the festival had encouraged him, and he said, "The festival will certainly contribute to making Kohalpur economically dynamic and to creating an investment‑friendly atmosphere and promoting entrepreneurship."

On the occasion, former minister Maheshwor Gahatraj said the Kohalpur festival was a matter of pride, and would help establish a local identity and promote development.

Pradeep Bhattarai, President of Kohalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and coordinator of the festival organising committee, said the festival would support efforts to promote Kohalpur as a trade hub.

Cultural pageants and rallies took place before the inauguration, and the rally, which began at Chauraha, saw massive local participation.

This is the seventh festival in the series, held since 2008 in Banke district, and it was organised to promote marketing of local products, create jobs and establish Kohalpur's identity at a national level, according to Bhattarai.

There are a total of 300 display sections at the event, which features 10 thematic displays, 15 promotional stalls, 250 commercial product stalls and 22 hotel services, and a section called 'Tharu Village' is a special attraction at the festival.