image005Footwear Manufacturers Association of Nepal (FMAN) is organizing the 13th National Industrial Expo 2016 at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall in Kathmandu from December 20 to 26. The seven-day event is supported by Trade and Export Promotion Centre (TEPC), Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN). The expo will showcase different footwear varieties like leather shoes, sports shoes, casual shoes, sandals for men and women, and school and college uniform and other apparel. It will also showcase raw materials used in production of footwear. Similarly, food stalls showcasing different delicacies will be the other attraction of the expo. According to the federation, the main objective of the expo is to provide different types of footwear as well as shirting and suiting materials under one roof, and to promote locally manufactured products. Officials of the federation say that Nepali footwear producers can provide employment to many people and it help in country's development and give a boost to economy. There are around 2,000 footwear manufacturers in the country, according to the federation. It also said that the sector is providing employment to more than 2.5 million people. According to the federation, the domestic footwear demand stands at 50 million pairs annually. “As a result of last year earthquakes, Indian blockade and open border with India, domestic products have been able to command just 42 percent of the market share currently, down from 60-65 percent in the past.” Lately, locally-manufactured footwear products have been gaining popularity. Considering this fact, the government, revising the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy 2016, has also included Nepali footwear among 12 domestic goods having high export potential. The expo will have 125 stalls and the organizers are expecting around 100,000 footfalls. The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 25. However, people with disabilities, students and senior citizens get free entry to the event.