Key Takeaways:

• PM Shah met FWEAN leaders, pledging support for women entrepreneurs
• Government to help launch the 'Ma Udhyami' trademark and promote products
• Entrepreneurs demanded procurement priority, trade fair support, and policy representation

KATHMANDU, JULY 16 Prime Minister Balendra Shah has asserted that the government is committed to supporting women entrepreneurs and creating a business environment that helps their products reach national and international markets. During a meeting with office-bearers of the Federation of Woman Entrepreneurs' Associations of Nepal (FWEAN), Shah said the government would actively work to resolve challenges faced by women-led enterprises and promote their goods at tourism sites. He also backed the early introduction of the 'Ma Udhyami' trademark, developed by FWEAN, to strengthen branding and visibility. FWEAN representatives urged the Prime Minister to ensure a business-friendly environment, institutionalise support for their annual international trade fair, and prioritise women-led enterprises in public procurement. They also called for enforcement of existing provisions requiring government offices and schools to purchase goods and services produced by women entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs demanded representation in policymaking and pledged to provide skilled trainers for local-level vocational programmes. The meeting also discussed expanding access to finance, policy reforms, skills development, innovation, digital entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth of women-led enterprises. FWEAN President Darshana Shrestha said Shah had shown readiness to take immediate steps, expressing confidence that the meeting would help strengthen women's entrepreneurship in Nepal.