Kathmandu recently hosted two pivotal international events, showcasing Nepal's growing commitment to economic development and sustainable practices. The 4th Edition of Plast Nepal 2024 and the second edition of GeoMandu 2024 attracted global attention, bringing together professionals, businesses, and policymakers to discuss advancements and strategies in their respective domains.
The 4th Edition of Plast Nepal 2024, a three-day exhibition, took place at Bhrikutimandap, organized under the aegis of India’s Plastic Export Promotion Council. The event featured 45 stalls from Indian companies and over 150 participants representing five countries, serving as a critical platform for fostering business-to-business connections within South Asia’s plastic sector.
Nepal's Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, inaugurated the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth. Minister Bhandari highlighted the recent improvements in Nepal's economic indicators, stressing the urgency of introducing cutting-edge technologies to accelerate development. He reiterated the government's commitment to reforming laws that encourage domestic production over imports, boost exports, and support local investors.
Nepal's plastic industry, valued at approximately NPR 60 billion (USD 500 million), has witnessed significant growth due to urbanization and increasing consumer demands. The sector, comprising over 500 manufacturing units primarily in Kathmandu, plays a vital role in the national economy. India, as a leading partner, exported plastic products worth USD 11.6 billion globally in 2023-24, further reinforcing its position as a key supplier to Nepal.
The exhibition, which concluded on Saturday, successfully showcased opportunities for growth and innovation, establishing itself as a milestone for the region's plastic industry.
In parallel, the second edition of GeoMandu 2024, organized by the Nepal Geotechnical Society, focused on critical issues surrounding sustainable infrastructure. This two-day international conference, themed “Geotechniques for Sustainable Infrastructure,” brought together geotechnical engineers, researchers, and industry professionals from around the globe to address challenges posed by climate change and urbanization.
Experts and keynote speakers from nations such as the USA, India, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, and Kazakhstan shared insights on cutting-edge advancements in geotechnical engineering and civil infrastructure. The discussions revolved around incorporating sustainable practices into infrastructure development to create resilient, environmentally friendly solutions that meet the demands of a rapidly urbanizing world.
With Nepal experiencing the growing impact of climate change, events like GeoMandu 2024 play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and adaptive infrastructure strategies. The exchange of knowledge and collaboration among international experts highlighted actionable solutions and innovative approaches to mitigate the challenges posed by global dynamics.
Both Plast Nepal 2024 and GeoMandu 2024 underline Nepal's forward-looking approach toward economic growth and sustainable development. By hosting these events, Kathmandu demonstrated its capacity to serve as a hub for regional collaboration and innovation.
While Plast Nepal focused on enhancing trade relations and fostering industrial growth in the plastic sector, GeoMandu 2024 addressed the need for infrastructure resilience in the face of global environmental changes. Together, these events highlighted Nepal's readiness to embrace advanced technologies and sustainable practices, paving the way for a more prosperous and environmentally conscious future.