Kathmandu, March 5 :

Government officials, industrialists and entrepreneurs have expressed dissatisfaction over the meager progress made in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project although more than Rs 150 million has already been invested.

The project was initiated from fiscal year 2056-57 BS with the sole aim of attracting private investment, both domestic and foreign in industrial activities, thereby uplifting the living standard of Nepali people along with contributing to the overall economic development of the country.

As per the project, much of the budget was spent on infrastructure development of the export-processing zone in Bhairahawa, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

The project has aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment for the establishment of industries by promoting administrative efficiency through one-window system along with modern information technology, banking, insurance, and freight forwarding at the same venue.

It also provides special concession on tax and duties for the goods manufactured in the SEZ. Moreover, it had also had the objectives to help in the export promotion and its extension and to create maximum job opportunities.

In addition to Bhairahawa, the government has declared to establish SEZ in Birgunj of Parsa, Panchkhal of Kavrepalanchok, and Ratmate Jiling Devighat of Nuwakot districts.

According to the information given by MoF, the amount was spent on feasibility study, compensation for 50 bighas of land including the land for construction of the road to link the project areas, wall around the project premises, parking area, drinking water supply and in the execution of administrative works.

However, exporters have raised questions, as the project has yet not come into operation as of now in spite of such huge investment for it.