The Fourth International Trade Fair has kicked off at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu from today with an objective to promote Nepali products in the national and international market and boost foreign investment in the country.

Eight countries including Nepal have taken part in the five-day fair, organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in association of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, according to Keshav Raj Panday, the Coordinator of the festival.

There are some 350 stalls, displaying a wide range of products as handicraft items, garments, furniture, leather products, food items and fashion wear among others.

Inaugurating the fair, Minister for Commerce and Supplies, Sunil Bahadur Thapa, asserted that the international communities should stress on helping Nepal by facilitating for trade in the international arena rather than on providing financial assistance.

Minister Thapa cited the latest Power Trade Agreement and Project Development Agreement between Nepal and India as the Nepal government's effort to attract as much as investment in the country.

Similarly, reading out Prime Minister Sushil Koirala's message to the fair, the Chief Secretary, Leelamani Poudel shared that the country would gain prosperity by emphasizing domestic products for which all-sided assistance is a must.