Nepal Women Chamber launches Chamber Weekly Market

KATHMANDU: Nepal Women Chamber has launched 'Chamber Weekly Market' at Chamber Bhawan in Jamal, starting from Saturday. The objective of the initiative is to market, promote, and expand the trade of goods produced by women entrepreneurs and businesswomen.

The market features stalls offering food grains, clothing, handicraft items, and products from Salt Trading Corporation, among others. At the Chamber Weekly Market, various items produced by women entrepreneurs, along with materials related to import and export, have been put up for sale.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Vice President Urmila Shrestha noted that the market acts as a medium to establish a direct relationship between producers and consumers, particularly as women entrepreneurs face challenges in expanding their businesses due to inadequate market coverage. "It is our effort to bring the products of women entrepreneurs to consumers," said Shrestha, "Along with production, it will also assist in business expansion." She added that arrangements are in place to sell essential daily goods, including food items, at affordable prices.

NCC's Infrastructure and Land Reform Committee  Chairperson Roshan Bhoyodyo highlighted the need to expand such fairs. He pointed out that along with promoting the products of women entrepreneurs, the market creates an opportunity for general consumers to easily purchase local and domestic goods.

Nepal Women Chamber Secretary Era Prasai emphasised that the goal is not to limit the initiative strictly to commercial transactions. "The objective is to advance Chamber Weekly Market not merely as a commercial fair, but as a campaign to empower women entrepreneurs economically, develop skills, and expand market access," Prasai said. "In addition to giving women the opportunity to expand the market for their products, the goal is also to attract women who wish to start new enterprises into business."

Fair Coordinator Anita Amatya Shrestha stated that entrepreneurship development activities will be conducted alongside the sale and promotion of products. Advisor to the Nepal Women Chamber Neelam Tamrakar expressed confidence that the fair will contribute to promoting women entrepreneurship.

Nepal Women Chamber has made preparations to conduct orientation programmes on government procedures, business operations, and management for women running enterprises and those interested in starting a business. Activities such as skill and vocational training, women's health awareness programmes, and free health check-ups will also run alongside the market. The Nepal Women Chamber plans to expand Chamber Weekly Market beyond Kathmandu to other major cities and regions across the country in the days ahead.