CIM unveils theme, mascot for Birat Expo 2026

BIRATNAGAR: Chamber of Industries Morang (CIM) has unveiled the theme and mascot for Birat Expo 2026.

The ninth edition of the expo will be held from December 17 to 26, 2026, at the Degree Campus premises in Biratnagar Metropolitan City-14, Morang. It will run under the theme 'Birat Expo 2026: The Ecosystem of Opportunities'. CIM said the expo seeks to expand beyond its traditional focus on industry, production and trade by incorporating areas such as workforce development, startup funding and public-private partnerships.

CIM aims to attract 250,000 visitors, including 25,000 students, and participation from more than 300 companies and institutions. The organisation also aims to facilitate over 1,500 business matchmaking contacts, connect 2,000 young people with employment opportunities and pitch at least 20 startups to potential investors.

According to CIM, the expo will be organised around 10 opportunity areas and six integrated platforms: Learn for the Future, Startup and Entrepreneurship Pavilion, BDS Connect-Business Development Services (BDS), Birat Business Summit 2026-Opportunity Connect, Business Exhibition and evening cultural performances.

A three-day Birat Business Summit 2026 will be held alongside the expo under the themes 'Invest and Build', 'Connect and Expand' and 'Influence and Grow'. Delegates from 18 district chambers across Koshi Province are expected to present economic and business opportunities from their respective districts. The summit will also include an Opportunity Wall showcasing public and private investment proposals, Nepal-India and Nepal-Bangladesh business forums, and plenary dialogues.

The exhibition will feature more than 275 stalls, including around 150 industrial and corporate stalls, 50 agriculture and small enterprise stalls, 20 automobile stalls, 12 food stalls, 10 business development services stalls, 10 training provider stalls, 10 small and growth-oriented enterprise stalls and 15 customised sponsor booths.

CIM said priority will be given to agricultural, women-led and cottage industry products from all 14 districts of Koshi Province, alongside products from the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor.

The Learn for the Future platform will provide career guidance and skill development opportunities across eight sectors, including industrial automation, fashion design, agriculture, hospitality, beauty and wellness, and health. The Startup and Entrepreneurship Pavilion will feature a Maker Space, Design Thinking sessions and a Boot Camp, while BDS Connect will bring together business support services such as registration, legal consulting, quality testing, certification and market access.

Preparatory work, including venue cleaning, development of an online stall booking system and a 3D virtual tour platform, is currently under way. Site construction is scheduled to begin after the Chhath festival.

Xtreme Energy Drink has been announced as the title sponsor, while Century Spices and Snacks will serve as the powered-by sponsor. The event is being promoted by the Ministry of Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Koshi Province Government, Biratnagar Metropolitan City and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Koshi Province, with support from the Morang Merchants' Association (MMA), Degree Campus Biratnagar, Birat Trade Association (BTA), Nepal Young Entrepreneurs' Forum (NYEF) Biratnagar Chapter and Morang Automobile Association (MADA).

In a joint statement, CIM Coordinator Bipin Kabra and CIM President Nanda Kishor Rathi said, "Although Birat Expo is organised by CIM, its success depends on the participation of the entire private sector, government, educational institutions, youth and the general public."

"We wish to establish this edition of the expo not merely as a trade fair, but as a Business Ecosystem Platform that connects Nepal's industrial and commercial potential," they added.