Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is organizing 4th Nepal International Trade Fair from at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu from March 12 to 16.

Organizing a press meet on Thursday, FNCCI also announced the opening of stall bookings.

The apex body of Nepali private sector has been organizing the event since 2011 to promote export of 19 products -- 12 goods and seven services -- identified by Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS), build mutual business relationship between buyers and sellers, and facilitate bilateral trade expansion and investment opportunities.

“The expo will help to establish Nepal as a brand. It will help to increase economic activities, promote domestic products, explore and expose the creativity of Nepalis, and help in overall development of Nepali economy,” Pradip Jung Pandey, president of FNCCI, told the press meet.

According to FNCCI, exhibitors from about a dozen countries, including India, China and Taiwan, are participating in the fair.

The expo will have 300 stalls including a separate pavilion with 65 stalls for herbs and herbal products. The Nepal pavilion in the expo will display products like handicraft, readymade garments, handmade carpet, and agro products as well as services like education, hydropower, and information technology (IT).

Seminars, Business to Business (B2B) meetings, cultural programs, fashion show, and food festivals will also be organized during the five-day event.

The national trade fair is expected to draw 200,000 local visitors.