Chitwan Festival and Central Industrial Trade Fair from Jan 9

Chitwan Festival and Central Industrial Trade Fair 2012 is being organized in Narayanghat of Chitwan from January 9-18 with an objective of promoting local products.

The 10-day event will be held at the exhibition ground on the banks of the Narayani River.

“The festival mainly focuses on social, cultural, educational, health and tourism related promotional activities,” said Dr Tilchandra Bhattarai, coordinator of the event.Speaking at a press meet in the capital, Bhattarai said the festival will have 440 stalls, including 18 international stalls and eight special stalls.

The event will have separate section for automobiles, information technology, art and sculpture, one village one product, poultry, bank and financial institutions, restaurants and children park, among others.

Besides, there will be model houses, demonstrating lifestyle of different ethnic groups of the region and food festival showcasing traditional foods of Chitwan will be organized in Narayanghat Bus Park.

President Dr Ram Baran Yadav is scheduled to inaugurate the event.

During the festival, a three-day seminar on ´Central Nepal: The Land of Opportunities´ (Invest Mid Nepal) will be held to disseminate information about infrastructure development, hydropower, tourism, education, health and agriculture, among others, so that those who are eager to invest in these sectors can know about it.

The ninth edition of Chitwan Festival -- one of the largest business fairs of the country -- is being organized jointly by Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Chitwan District Development Committee, Bharatpur Municipality, Ratnanagar Municipality and Ratnanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“The seminar is expected to see participation of experts from China and India, non-resident Nepalis, policy makers and investors,” said Bhattarai.

Besides, a daylong seminar will be held on beekeeping and fishery. Various entertainment activities like boat racing, motor boat riding, slow cycle race and regional beach volleyball competition will also be organized during the event.

People visiting the festival can also benefit from free health camp.

In order to make the festival and industrial fair a huge success, 650-member main committee, 34-member steering committee and 44-member advisory committee have been formed.

The organizers have expected the festival to draw 450,000 visitors and record transactions of about Rs 250 million.

source: republica, 1 jan 2013