The 28th edition of the National Industrial Exhibition is scheduled to kick off at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall on February 23. The six-day expo being organised by the Cottage and Small Industries Development Committee (CSIDC) will be showcasing local products from across the country.

The expo will house 300 stalls displaying homemade products. According to the organiser, textiles and accessories made of natural fibres, semi-precious stones mined in Surkhet and Jajarkot, nettle powder, herbals, bamboo products and Mithila art will be the major attractions at the fair.

Similarly, decorative items made of straw, traditional kitchen utensils, khukuri, Allo products, clothes made of dhaka, leather goods and products prepared from locally available raw materials are also expected to draw visitors.

The expo’s theme is ‘Made in Nepal, Feel Pride, Use Domestic Products’. It has targeted promoting the products of cottage and small industries and expanding the market for their them.

CSIDC Spokesperson Rajendra Mishra said that the expo would feature displays of diverse products made by local entrepreneurs under a single roof, and also help promote local products in the international market.

Cottage and small industries account for a major portion of the industrial contribution to the country’s economy. According to the Economic Survey, the government has focused on promoting cottage and small industries in order to help generate employment by enhancing entrepreneurship skills at the local level.

Government statistics show that 270,988 cottage and small industries have been registered till date. However, many of them are inoperative. The functioning ones provide jobs to 55,000 people.

The country has been witnessing a significant rise in registrations of such firms of late. As per official figures, 11,000 new cottage and small industries obtained operating licences during the first eight months of 2015-16.

The government has conducted micro enterprise development programmes in 64 districts in a bid to promote such industries. The programme has so far helped to generate 7,645 local jobs.

Likewise, the government’s training programme has also been helping in skill development for small enterprises. Under the programme, people are being trained in 18 selected areas such as food processing, bakery, beautician, mobile phone repair and handmade paper products.