KATHMANDU - Ninety Chinese companies have participated in the 5th Nepal International Trade Fair, which kicked off here on Thursday.

The five-day event comprises a separate Chinese pavilion under China Exhibition and Forum where 90 stalls have exhibited a variety of products.

Chinese companies have displayed food items, decoration materials, fancy garments, shoes and slippers, agricultural products, among others.

The annual event hosted by Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has around 350 domestic and foreign stalls.

Inaugurating the trade fair amid a special ceremony, Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari said: "The political transition in the country has just ended as Nepal recently promulgated its new constitution. Now it's time to attract foreign investment and uplift national economy."

Stressing on the need of prioritizing industries based on locally available raw materials and technology, President Bhandari expressed hope that the fair would disseminate a message that Nepal is safe for foreign investment.

The event aims to bring national and international traders on a single platform to market products and strengthen business.

Beside the regular display and sale of products, various workshops are being held on the sidelines of the fair exploring the possibility for joint investments in potential areas.

This is the country's only international level trade fair, which is being organized in March every year.