Sunsari Chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) has organised Dharan Expo for the display and trade of agricultural and other goods of various kinds to promote local businesses.

Mahendra Pradhan, member secretary of the organising committee, said that around 100,000 people have visited the Dharan Expo so far. He said that the expo has done business worth about Rs. 900 million to date. Pradhan further added that due to the high demand for international products, the materials are still being ordered.

At the expo, agricultural tools, products of small and medium industries, readymade garments, handicraft items and products of local resources of different districts of Nepal are also on display. Similarly, foreign products from India, Bangladesh and Pakistan are also exhibited at the expo.

Arjun Rai, a farmer of Barahakshetra, who has been producing organic vegetables and fruits has also set up a stall at the expo. He said that there was a slight drop in business this year compared to the last year. According to the organiser, the expo has given special support for the production of pesticide-free crops.

Likewise, Manita Ghimire, an industrialist and politician from Dharan, said that she is operating a soap industry at her own home using plants found in her village. She said that the soap business can be done with a small investment. The business was less compared to the last year, but the expo has promoted the business for the long run.