A member of the Nepali delegation chats with R.G. Lyngdoh (left), co-chairman of Meghalaya Economic Development Council, at the trade fair. A Telegraph picture

March 4: Charmed by the beauty of Guwahati, a trade delegation from Nepal has promised to return next year with a stronger representation.

The delegation, under the auspices of the Trade Promotion Centre, Kathmandu, visited Kamakhya temple this morning and was mesmerised by the beautiful surroundings. ?Though business will be on our mind during our next visit, the beauty and majesty of the city with the Brahmaputra flowing nearby has also bowled us over,? D.C. Gupta, leader of the five-member delegation, said.

A number of people from Nepal visit Kamakhya temple every year.

The delegation members said they were impressed by the ongoing 12th International Guwahati Trade Fair and are scouting for more business opportunities here. This is the first business delegation from Nepal to visit the city.

?There is tremendous business potential here and Nepal should take full advantage of it. Entrepreneurs from both sides should keep visiting regularly,? Gupta added.

Gupta said they were keen to have more interaction with local entrepreneurs. Handicrafts of the state have impressed the delegation a lot.

He said they would first conduct a feasibility study to find out the products and marketing services available in the city.

Ten foreign countries are participating in the ongoing trade fair. The participating countries are China, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Nepal and Bhutan.

The two Nepal stalls at the fair are selling khukris, pashmina shawls and other handicraft products.

Nepal exports noodles, pulses, ginger, ghee, jute, cardamom and toothpaste, among other items, to India while it imports textiles, threads, milk powder, chemicals, medicine and cement.

?We are in favour of joint ventures with companies in the region,? Gupta added. The delegation was impressed by the Bangladesh side which is making good money.

The visitors said they were exploring tourism as a business venture in both the regions. ?Temple tourism would be helpful in attracting tourists to both the countries,? Gupta added.

A heavy rush was witnessed at the trade fair today with huge number of visitors thronging it to have a look at the variety of products. The fair will conclude on March 7.