The National Industrial Trade Fair kicked off at Nayabazaar Exhibition Centre in Pokhara on Thursday.

The 10-day event organised by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry showcases a wide range of automobiles, outfits, electronic goods, handicrafts and consumer goods, besides holding several entertainment events on the sidelines.

Inaugurating the expo, Tourism Minister Jeeban Bahadur Shahi highlighted the need for devising a long-term plan for the development of the lake city. “Although Pokhara has been performing well in promoting the country’s tourism industry, long-term vision has become essential for sustainable future,” he said.

The minister said a road expansion drive initiated four decades ago in Pokhara had drawn heavy criticism then, but now it has helped ease traffic congestion. “Therefore, we have formulate

a plan targeting development

for at least four decades from now,” he said.

He said the government

has initiated works to construct international airports in Bhairahawa, Nijgadh and Pokhara, but there have been some problems in getting soft loans from China EXIM Bank to develop the Pokhara project.

“Even if the government does not get the loan, we will initiate the project on our own,” he said, assuring the locals to be optimistic. “It may be delayed, but

the airport will be constructed anyhow.”

Kishore Pradhan, vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government has to facilitate the private sector to promote industries.

The inauguration ceremony began with a cultural rally

from the chamber office at Gairhapatan. The rally marched through Chipledhunga, Mahendrapool and Nayabazaar before converging at Nayabazaar Exhibition Centre.

In a separate event on Wednesday, Shahi had stressed on the need for a collaborative effort from all sides to develop the country’s tourism sector.