Investment in small industries grows

HIMALAYAN NEWS SERVICE

KATHMANDU: Despite the fact that total number of micro and small scale industries has declined, investment in the sector has increased compared to a fiscal year ago.

According to Federation of Nepalese Cottage and Small Industries (FNSCI), the total number of industries stood

at 17,722 in 2008-09. However, it has declined to 13,020 in 2009-10. But investment has seen a marginal increment from Rs 153.11 billion in 2008-09 to Rs 153.288 billion in the last fiscal year.

“Due to political unrest, power crisis and labour dispute, the number of small and medium scale industries has decreased,” said Shyam Prasad Giri, general secretary of

the federation that is trying to create a conducive environment for the promotion of the industries with the help from government, political parties and the trade unions urging them for a peaceful and secure environment for the growth of the industries.

“We have also urged the political parties and the trade unions to adopt a positive

approach towards the industrial sectors, he said at a press meet organised to inform about the 11th Cottage Industry Festival and National Industrial Exhibition. The expo is being organised on April 20-24 in Kathmandu.

“The aim of the fair is to promote products of cottage, small and micro industries along with direct marketing of the products,” said president of the federation, Lata Pyakurel.

“During the exhibition buyers can direct contact industrialist from the niche market, she said, adding that the exhibition will have 180 stalls with more than 50 per cent women participants. The exhibition will display traditional handicraft products, leather products, wooden products, ceramics, hand-woven carpet, allo, lokta, jute and natural fibre products.

The federation aims to unite Micro Cottage and Small Industries sector and strengthen district chapters and commodity associations to cater the needs of the sector.

It also provides advisory supports and advocate on behalf of the sector in formulating appropriate policies, laws, acts, plans and programmes for promotion and development of the micro, small and medium scale industries with its networks in 72 districts, out of 75 districts in Nepal.

The number of cottage and small industries facilitated in the Kathmandu valley and outside are 25 and over 75 respectively with intervention programmes on productivity improvement through cleaner production and green productivity. Till date the federation has organised a total of 870 trainings and a total of 13,900 trainees benefited, Giri added.