10th Saarc Trade Fair ( 15 December to 19 December, 2010) Kathmandu, Nepal

SAARC region is generously endowed with untold fortune and immense potentials. From unparalleled natural beauties to vast oceanic resources, opulent cultural heritage to most fertile brain ware, this region boasts the bests of the whole world. Yet, over one sixth of the world's population inhabiting such promising and potential region is a prisoner of wretched clutches of poverty. It is but a challenge for all the countries and the people of SAARC region to conquer developmental and economic hurdles. And we are sufficient among ourselves to fight these challenges.

SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) was created with a vision to explore, discover and develop the new segment of untapped economic opportunities in the SAARC region which has been ensuing South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). The 10th SAARC Trade Fair to be held in Nepal will certainly highlight these avenues in a spectacular manner with much fanfare and extravaganza.

We expect each of the eight SAARC nations to offer products and services that are still unknown to majority of the people within the region and the whole world. The fair is going to be a common platform for the participating nations to establish contacts, showcase new products, earn friends and promote businesses. We are certain that the fair would not only award the participants and the visitors with direct business opportunities, but it will also usher new avenues of business bonding.

The SAARC region understands how big a market it is in itself with more than 1352 million people living in its member countries. This region prepares to reap benefit from each other's economic vibrancy and liberal policies pursued in the field of trade and investment. The fair aims to bring together the people, the products, and the services on a common platform of opportunities to all, where new possibilities can be shaped for economic cooperation and solidarity of the region. Interesting events taking place during the fair are also expected to focus on the latent prospects of common interest and benefit.

The Host:

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is the world's youngest republic. Though the country braved dotted and tumultuous political history, it boasts the most friendly people, breathtaking natural beauty and convenient destination for the people of the region. Most importantly, this is a country which is most amiable destination for all the SAARC members.

The economic policy of the country is guided by the objective of achieving rapid economic growth. Nepal adheres to open market economy and liberal economic climate. Foreign investment is encouraged to help the domestic industries with advanced technology and foreign capital.

Venue city:

Kathmandu is going to host the fair. It is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It also contains two sister cities Patan in the South and Bhaktapur in the East. Kathmandu stands at an elevation of 1,400 meters in the bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal. The city's rich history is nearly 2000 years old as inferred from an inscription in the valley. People of every religious belief live here giving it a cosmopolitan culture. It is a stop en route to the Himalayas and the nerve centre of the country's economy.

Kathmandu boasts internationally acclaimed residential facilities and touristic destinations. There are numerous star hotels and boutique resorts in the city, which have been mentioned in the travel books like Lonely Planet and others. From small guest houses to the luxury five star hotels, Nepali hospitality is unparalleled. Star hotels can also be found within 2 KM to 6 KM away from the venue of the fair and early booking is advisable. There are many modern departmental stores in the valley where visitors can enjoy shopping and get Nepali souvenir for their loved ones.

Objectives of the Fair:

The main objectives of SAARC Trade Fair 2010 are:

• to promote the products & services produced & available in SAARC member countries
• to explore market feasibility and development,
• to conduct buyer-seller meet between stakeholders for the trade opportunities and
• to update and further strengthen the relationship among the people of SAARC nations.

Range of products:

Any kind of product or services of SAARC countries can be displayed in the event, for example: textile and readymade garment, handicrafts, vehicles and auto parts, furniture and furnishings, computers and accessories, jute and plastic items, ceramic and sanitary products, leather goods, herbal products, jewelry items, paper products, sports goods, home appliances, household and kitchenware , toys and games, agricultural, industrial, mineral, oceanic products together with information technology, service related activities like: banking, insurance, advertizing etc.

The fair will also focus on tourism mart, food festival, cultural events, entertainment activities, buyer/seller meetings and seminars on the subjects of mutual interests.

Fair information:

1.	Name of Exhibition	:	10th SAARC Trade Fair-2010
2.	Theme	:	"Regional prosperity through Trade"
3.	Dates of Exhibition	:	December 15 to December 19, 2010
4.	Venue	:	Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu
5.	Exhibition Type	:	General
6.	Display Profile	:	Products and Services of SAARC c member countries
7	Exhibitors	:	Manufacturer, exporters, agents, service organizations, investment and tourism promotion organizations etc.
8	Expected Visitors	:
			Overseas Visitors: 2,000 SAARC Region : 6,000 Local Business men: 5,000 Local Public: 1, 50,000 Trade Delegates from SAARC member countries
9	Opening Hours	:
			First day: 10.00 AM - 12.00 PM - Opening Ceremony 12.00 PM - 19.00 PM - Open for public Second day - Fifth day: 10.00 AM - 12.00 PM - Trade visitors only 12.00 PM - 19.00 PM - Open for public
10	Participation fee and facilities	:
			Shell Booths (3x3m) at US$ 600/- with two chairs, one  table, two spot lights, company name on fascia, one 15AMP plug, one dust bin, dividing wall and Carpeting Open space at US$ 20 per Sqm. (minimum bookable space 25 Sqm. Extra tables, spot lights, power points will be provided on request which will be charged extra Retail sales will be permitted daily form12.00 PM - 19.00 PM All exhibitors will be listed in the fair catalogue under each respective country free of charge, but would be requested to advertise in the fair catalogue at a special price to give publicity to their products and services Exhibitors may import the exhibits into Nepal on production of guarantee letter from their Embassy/ Mission or on the production of bank guarantee by individual participants, as advised by Customs Department of Government of Nepal
11.	Organized & Managed by	:
			Government of Nepal Ministry of Commerce & Supplies Trade & Export Promotion Centre (TEPC) Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: +977-1-5525348 Fax: +977-1-5525464 Website: www.tepc.gov.np Email: info@tepc.gov.np

Terms and Conditions for Participation

1. Application with required stall/ space is to be submitted to Trade and Export Promotion Centre, Na: Tole, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal.

2. 50% Payment of total Shell Booths/ open space booked is to be transmitted in advance in TRADE & EXPORT PROMOTION CENTRE'S following Bank Account:

Bank Name	Account No.	Swift Code
Nepal Investment Bank Pulchowk Branch Kathmandu, Nepal	00405010032432	NIBLNPKT

3. Space allocation will be allocated on first come first served basis country wise subject to the 50% advance payment.

4. TEPC will provide a built up Shell Booth constructed with octonorm system with carpeting inside, one table, two chairs, two spot lights, one power plug, one dustbin and fascia with company name.

5. Countries which book open space for their participation will have to approve their layout plan of their pavilion from the organizer. Basically, the layout should follow public safety, sufficient space in passage, electricity fittings safety and should not obstruct to other exhibitors.

6. Any damage caused by the participant in the exhibition area, stalls and exhibits would be the sole responsibility of that participant. In such cases one should first inform to the organizer.

7. Participants are required to insure their exhibits against any loss, damage, theft, fire etc.

8. General security arrangement will be made in the exhibition ground by the organizer. However, participants will be responsible for the security of their exhibits in the stalls during fair opening hours.

9. Cargo handling, clearing, stand decoration and catering services can be availed only from those who are registered with the organizer. No other service provider will be allowed in the exhibition area during 10th SAARC Trade Fair.

10. No changes in the size or position of stall as provided is permitted and usage of nails, pins, screws on the panel walls of the built up shell booth is prohibited.

11. Possession of shell booth/ open space will be given only on the receipt of full payment.

12. The organizer will be responsible for the cleaning of the whole complex. However, exhibitor will be responsible for the cleanliness of their stalls. If any country constructs its own pavilion, the cleanliness of the whole pavilion will be the responsibility of that participating country.

13. During the exhibition hours no stall should be unattended. Any activity that disturbs to others should not be carried during the fair opening time.

14. Booths will have to be vacated within two days of the end of the fair. Fail to vacate the space in the stipulated time TEPC shall have the right to remove all materials at the risk and cost of participants.

15. Smoking in the exhibition area is strictly prohibited.

16. All registered exhibitors will be given exhibitor passes (3 passes each stall with 9 square meters stall or 25 square meter open space) extra passes would be given @ Rs. 75 each.

17. Sale of Food, Ice -Creams, and Beverages etc will be allowed only in the specified areas by the organizer not in the stalls of the country pavilions.

18. Violation of these rules means the organizer shall have the right to close down the stall immediately and no refund would be considered.

General Information:

Entry Permit/Visas:

Foreign visitors except the Indians need valid passports and visa to enter Nepal. No visa fees are levied to the passport holder of member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) for 30 days and visa can be obtained on arrival at the entry points specified by the government including Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Indian nationals do not need visa but an identity document, be it either passport, or election commission ID is required to those travelling by Air. However, Afghani nationals will have to request in advance for on arrival visas with all details. All assistance will be provided by the organizer to facilitate Afghani participants to get on arrival visas for SAARC Trade Fair. For further information please log on www.immi.gov.np

Language:

Nepali Language is official language of Nepal. English language is also widely spoken in the capital city, other major cities and tourist destinations in Nepal. Climate & Clothing: Fair time is the most pleasant time in Nepal. Most of the tourist visit Nepal during September, October and November as average temperatures during these months are maximum 20 degree and minimum 10-12 Degree Celsius. There is no need of woolen cloths but sometimes weather can change its way so light woolens clothes and pullovers are advised.

Currency:

Nepalese currency is called Nepalese Rupee. We have 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 denomination notes. The approximate exchange rate is Rs. 70 with US$ (this may vary Rs. 1- or 2 plus or minus) Indian Rupee is also accepted by the banks but 500 and 1000 denomination Indian notes are not accepted in Nepal.US$ and other currencies can be exchanged in most of the banks, money changers and hotels.

Accessibility:

Nepal is landlocked country and it can be accessible either by air or land. There are more than 25 international airlines operating in Nepal from various parts of the world and Nepal Airlines also operates its flights from various destinations to Kathmandu. By land, foreigners other than Indians may also enter into Nepal through following entry points only: Kakarvitta, Jhapa district, Birganj, Parsa district, Kodari, Sindhupalchowk district, Belahia, Bhairahawa, Jamunaha, Nepalgunj, Mohana, Dhangadhi, and Gaddachouki, Mahendranagar.

Time:

Nepalese time is 5:45 hours ahead of GMT.

Customs Duty:

Nepalese customs authority checks all the imported items in the entry points in Nepal and imposes customs duty according to the customs regulations. In the International airport in Kathmandu there are two channels green and red, if one has nothing to declare he/she should follow green channel and red channel for any declaration. Please visit the website: www.customs.gov.np  for more details.