Tourism key focus in 10th SAARC trade fair

PTI— Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal yesterday inaugurated the 10th SAARC Trade Fair at the City Hallin, Kathmandu.

The trade fair is aimed at providing a platform to the SAARC countries to explore trade opportunities, showcase their indigenous products and service, strengthen business relations among them and develop people to people relations. Some 300 companies from host Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are showcasing their products and services in the fair.

Eight Tourism pavilions are also being installed by each member SAARC country to promote tourism in the region.

“The SAARC Trade Fair would enhance regional trade, economic cooperation, and strengthen relations among the member countries,” Nepal said in his inaugural address.

He appealed to the SAARC nations to fully implement the provisions of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) to achieve meaningful economic integration and enhance intra-regional trade.

Effective implementation of the SAFTA would help in poverty reduction and economic development of the region, he said.

Secretary General of SAARC Sheel Kanta Sharma said the the fair would provide a platform where buyers and sellers will meet, exchange ideas and explore business opportunities.