KARNALI: The Provincial Industrial Exhibition concluded on Sunday in Birendranagar, the capital of Karnali Province, with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship, production, and productivity through labor, skills, and creativity.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, Suresh Adhikari, said the exhibition would support local production and marketing, while encouraging entrepreneurship.
“This event has significantly contributed to the promotion and marketing of products made from local resources,” he stated. “However, such an important program should be scheduled to conclude by mid-Jestha in the upcoming fiscal year.”
Kamala Oli Shiwakoti, member of the Chure-Terai-Madhes Protection and Development Committee under the Office of the President, emphasized that boosting domestic and local production is key to reducing imports.
She urged the provincial government to prioritize the protection, promotion, and development of enterprises and entrepreneurs.
Sher Bahadur Shrestha, Acting Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, noted that the exhibition showcased products from micro, cottage, and small industries within the province, as well as both traditional and modern technologies.
Devi Lal Sapkota, Director of the Directorate of Industry and Consumer Protection in Surkhet, said the exhibition featured products from various sectors including agriculture and food, forest-based items, and handicrafts.
He stressed that it would help improve the quality, branding, promotion, and marketing of local products. According to Sapkota, Karnali Province is home to around 36,000 industries, primarily micro, cottage, and small-scale.
Satendra Kumar Yadav, Branch Officer at the Directorate, emphasized the need for inclusive industrial development.
He highlighted the importance of promoting industries that are friendly to women, persons with disabilities, single women, and Dalit communities. “The Karnali government is advancing with the slogan ‘Make in Karnali, Made in Karnali,’” he said.
The exhibition featured a range of locally made products, including Radipakhi (woven items), Dailekhi suede shoes, honey, incense sticks, herbs, traditional crops, and handmade items like Allo, Lokta, Duna, and Tapari. The event has further energized local entrepreneurs.
The Directorate awarded cash prizes of Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 20,000 to the first, second, and third place entrepreneurs, respectively.
An essay competition held as part of the exhibition also awarded students with Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000, and Rs 5,000 for first, second, and third place.
A total of 65 stalls were set up during the exhibition, which was organized by the Directorate of Industry and Consumer Protection.
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