PM Oli inaugurates Nepal Chamber Expo 2025, calls for boosting exports

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the 8th Nepal Chamber Expo 2025 organised by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, today.

Addressing the inauguration programme of the international expo, Prime Minister Oli urged businesspersons and industrialists to boost exports to neighbouring countries, India and China, by increasing domestic production.

He stated that identifying the most marketable goods and their international trade contributes to the national economy. He informed attendees that the pace of infrastructure development will be further intensified to ensure Nepal's graduation to the status of a mid-level income country by 2026.

The Head of Government shared that efforts are underway to develop Tribhuvan International Airport as a boutique airport, while Nepal's access to the sea will be gradually ensured to facilitate trade expansion.

"Merely purchasing for consumption does not suffice to elevate business," he said, emphasising the need for boosting production through the use of science and technology. He reminded everyone that the current government is devoted to economic development.

PM Oli underscored the need for unity and activism from all sides to develop Nepal and expressed happiness over the Chamber's expo, which aimed at initiating improvements.

Addressing the programme, Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said Nepal would unlock the potential of information technology (IT) to spur economic development.

He stated that the ministry is devoted to creating infrastructures and policy frameworks to bolster the IT sector. He claimed that the economy, which was initially facing a slowdown, has witnessed reform following the current government's intervention.

"We are devoted to both policy and infrastructure fronts," Minister Gurung remarked, sharing that infrastructures such as IT parks will be expanded within this fiscal year.

According to him, traders and industrialists were pleased with the ordinances recently introduced by the government, which he added would have a positive impact on the national economy.

The Minister also informed that the draft of the artificial intelligence (AI) policy is being discussed at the ministry. The government has a long-term goal of ensuring a 5% contribution from the IT sector to the national economy by promoting the Digital Nepal campaign.

He added that the ministry has paid attention to generating employment through IT development.

On the occasion, NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal expressed happiness that the recent ordinances brought by the government had spread positive hope in the industrial sector.

The Nepal Chamber Expo 2025 features an international-level Software and AI Project stall. According to NCC President Agrawal, the expo aims to promote and market local products and boost trade.

The Chamber Expo 2025 has showcased agricultural products, handicrafts, textiles, automobiles, electronics, home appliances, logistics, furniture, garments, leather goods, jewellery, cosmetics, food, and dairy products. The expo is expected to become a significant attraction for visitors, featuring exhibitors and businesspeople from countries such as Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, and the UAE.

Over 125 domestic and international stalls have been set up at the expo. The five-day event is expected to attract at least 50,000 visitors. It also features an auto pavilion, local food stalls, and a play zone for children.

By RSS