KATHMANDU, AUGUST 28

Minister for Industry, Tourism and Forests of Madhes Province Shatrughan Mahato has said that foundation of industrialisation will be strengthened only if domestic and small industries that produce indigenous products in the country are preserved.

Addressing an interaction programme organised by the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) here, Minister Mahato said that the country will witness economic prosperity only through the promotion of small-scale domestic industries.

Stating that the promotion of local production-based industries with endorsement of import-substitution policy should be the national priority, he emphasised the need for industrialists and concerned bodies to carry out the necessary research to come up with quality and competitive products.

'Government's priority is to understand every problem of small industries and lead them towards industrialisation.' President of FNCSI Umesh Prasad Singh said that he has been advocating for small and domestic industrialists since 1990, and that he is constantly putting pressure on the government to promote the production and use of indigenous products.

'In the context of Nepal, micro, domestic and small industries are the promoters of economic prosperity, but lack of market and financial access is hindering their growth,' Singh said.

In order to promote and market the indigenous products, he also drew the attention of Minister Mahato to bring export houses and sales rooms into operation in Madhes Province.

According to Shyam Prasad Giri, outgoing president of FNCSI, there is a need to set up micro, domestic and small scale industries as well as women's industry villages in Madhes Province.

'Entrepreneurs usually cite marketing to be a major problem for them. Thus, the Madhes Province should give priority to setting up sales rooms and organising industrial exhibitions in its districts.'

A version of this article appears in the print on August 29, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.