Eighth International Women's Trade Fair kicks off in Lalitpur

LALITPUR: The Eighth International Women's Trade Fair, organised by the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), commenced in Lalitpur today.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the event and emphasised the importance of advancing society and accelerating national development.

In his address, He pledged to drive progress without obstruction. “Ninety-seven per cent of people now have access to electricity services, and we are working to increase power production,” he stated. Praising the younger generation’s enthusiasm for information technology, he remarked, “This is the era of computer and AI technology. Women have achieved much. Today’s fair is especially for mothers, and now the daughter-generation should focus on entrepreneurship. I want to thank the sisters for their initiatives.” He added that the country cannot develop if women are left behind.

PM Oli highlighted the contributions of women to Nepal’s development, noting that progress slowed during the Panchayat system but has accelerated under democracy. He urged stakeholders not to panic, assuring that projects of strategic importance are being advanced.

During the event, PM Oli honoured Anuradha Koirala, Founder of Maiti Nepal, for her activism against human trafficking, and Prem Kumari Pun of Ghorahi, Dang, for her contributions to enterprise development. 

On the occasion, FWEAN President Shova Gyawali shared that district associations under the Federation have been established in 72 districts. She reiterated FWEAN’s commitment to advocating for women’s entrepreneurship and addressing their challenges.

The Eighth International Women's Trade Fair will run until March 31, with organisers anticipating transactions exceeding Rs 22.5 million during the event.