Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the apex body of Nepali business sector has taken up responsibility to build an international exhibition centre at UN Park in Kathmandu. According to the Office of the Prime Minister, the cabinet meeting held on February 15 has decided to lease 82 ropanis land of the park to FNCCI for the construction of the exhibition centre. Similarly, the office has also directed the UN Park Development Committee to complete the necessary procedures for construction of the centre. 

 

Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar, Senior Vice President of the FNCCI said that, the construction will begin from the next fiscal year. “Designing of the exhibition centre is underway. The centre will come into operation within two years after the construction begins” he revealed. 

 

FNCCI had demanded 150 ropanis of land for the construction of the centre. Rajkarnikar said that, the necessary infrastructures will be developed in the land provided by the government. According to Bhawani Rana, Vice President of FNCCI, the construction of the centre will cost Rs 1 billion. “The investment will solely be made by the FNCCI,” she said. The centre will have exhibition area and convention hall. 

 

According to Rana, plan to develop a new exhibition centre was formulated as the one in Bhrikutimandap is felt narrow and additional amenities. The soon to be constructed centre will have special provision for vehicle parking. The FNCCI says that, the centre will also offer a venue for organising international programmes and events. 

 

The Ministry of Urban Development expressed hope that the centre will be an appropriate venue to hold large trade expos. Spokesperson of the ministry, Suresh Prakash Acharya said that, the present exhibition hall at Bhrikutimandap will be used to hold small expos. He said that, though the government will not have any direct investment on the centre, it will provide necessary technical support.