KATHMANDU: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has said trade fair and festival help boost economy and tourism.

The fairs and festivals organized across the country play their parts in economic activities, he said while inaugurating the ‘Kohalpur Festival-2025’ that kicked off in Banke on Wednesday. Even the social sector would see change through such events.

President Dhakal informed that he and central office bearers of the FNCCI arrived here irrespective of adverse weather. The enthusiasm of people and entrepreneurs in the festival had encouraged him. “The festival will certainly contribute to make Kohalpur city economically dynamic and create investment atmosphere and entrepreneurship promotion,” he observed.

On the occasion, former minister Maheshwor Gahatraj viewed the conduct of Kohalpur festival was a matter of pride. It would help establish a local identity and development, he expected.

Chairperson of Kohalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and coordinator of the festival organizing committee, Pradeep Bhattarai, said the festival would prop up the efforts to promote Kohalpur as a trade hub.

Cultural pageants and rallies were performed before the inauguration of the event. In the rally begun from Cauraha, locals had massive participation.

It is the seventh festival in series conduced since 2065BS in Banke district. It was held in a bid to promote marketing to local products, creation of jobs and establish Kohalpur’s identity at national level, according to Bhattarai.

There are total 300 display sections in the event which features 10 thematic displays, 15 promotional stalls, 250 commercial products and 22 hotel services.

A section named ‘Tharu village’ is a special attraction in the festival.