Kaski. Pokhara—An IT and start-up business expo is to be held in Pokhara, the capital of Gandaki State. The fair is going to be organized to showcase the technologies and businesses produced by youthful entrepreneurs for the purpose of creating employment through innovation and ending unemployment.

The event is being organized by National Youth Council under the Ministry of Youth and Sports in collaboration with Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). The fair will showcase 15 entrepreneurs, goods and services and businesses related to innovations based on ideas, products and processes from within Gandaki State.

The winner of the event will receive a cash prize of Rs 40,000, second Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000, according to Gehanath Gautam, administrative chief of National Youth Council.

“Those interested in participating in the exhibition have to fill up the form online. Applicants should not be more than 40 years of age, should not have more than 10 years of experience in operation of industry or business, registered with a government office and have annual turnover of more than Rs 15÷0 million,” he said.

The exhibition will be organized in all seven provinces of the country and finally, the best performers from the provinces will be included in the competition to be held in Kathmandu. The Youth Council has also organized an orientation programme in Pokhara in connection with the preparation of the exhibition. Entrepreneurship development expert Engineer Ramesh Subedi said the fair was organized to create employment opportunities through innovations and stop youth migration.÷

Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Gokarna Karki said the private sector wanted to stop migration of youths and create employment opportunities in the country. “Such exhibitions will encourage the younger generation at a time when the private sector was frustrated by the attack on industrial÷ists and businessmen during the Genji agitation in August,” he said.

Chief of Pokhara Metropolis’ Business Promotion Centre, Nawaraj Adhikari, shed light on the steps taken by Pokhara Metropolis for the development of entrepreneurship. Tarapati Kharel, under-secretary of Youth Council, said the fair was going to be organized to involve the private sector, especially the youths, in the creative business.

–––