The 14th edition of Footwear and Leather Goods Expo is set to begin on December 28 at the Bhrikuti-mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu, to promote Nepali products. The expo will be inaugurated by Finance Minister, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki.

The six day expo is organised by the Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN) with the slogan “Atmanirbhar ko aadhar swadeshi bastu ko prayog” (Use of domestic product, basis of self reliance). 

There will be a total of 135 stalls with 10 special pavilions from sponsors. Small, medium and large scale industries from all over Nepal will be showcasing shoes, slippers and other leather products at the expo. Raw materials used to produce shoes, slippers and other leather goods will also be showcased at the expo. 

According to Ravi Kumar Shrestha, president of FMAN, the exhibition will be focused on promoting domestic shoes, slippers and leather products rather than sales.

Visitors will be able to inspect, compare and buy products at expo. The organiser claims that the products will be available at a reasonable price. FMAN has provided up to 15 percent discount on shoes, slippers and other products for the visitors throughout the expo.

“If the government gives priority to promote footwear and leather industry then Nepal can be self reliant in terms of footwear and leather products as Nepali products are of comparable quality to their imported counterpart  and reasonably priced,”  said Shrestha.

Organiser aims to showcase products from different industries from all over the country under the same roof so that visitors can observe different products.

 “Nepal has been importing products from other countries and we can balance trade by promoting domestic products and increasing consumption of domestic products,” added Shrestha.

Another attraction at the expo is the fashion show in which famous models and artists will be presenting the top designed shoes, slippers and leather products throughout the expo, reads the press release. Blood donation and free health check-up programme will also be held during the expo.

Well-known Nepali personality Neer Shah will be the brand ambassador for the expo. Organisers are expecting footfall of 200,000 during the expo. The golden sponsors for the expo are Goldstar shoes and Hatti Chap slippers.