KATHMANDU, JUNE 7
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal has expressed his commitment to make efforts towards establishing access to the international market along with policy reforms for the development, expansion and promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking at the 20th anniversary of Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises of Nepal, today, Minister Rijal shared that the government is determined to develop, expand and promote small and medium industries to build a self-sufficient economy.
Stating that the government will take necessary initiatives to expand the domestic market as well as establish access to the international market along with necessary policy reforms for the development of business, Minister Rizal emphasised that the development and expansion of small and medium industries will provide economic development and employment opportunities from the local level and advance the country on the path of economic harmony.
He also expressed his appreciation towards the work done by the federation in motivating ordinary citizens to enter the production and service sector under the principle of 'One Home, One Business' as the main slogan.
At the programme, the business stakeholders urged the minister to make arrangements for a separate industrial zone for the sale of products manufactured by small and medium enterprises. Inu Poudel, first vice-president of the federation, also emphasised that the government should responsibly implement the 'One Home, One Business' campaign in order to be self-sufficient in the economic sector.
Stating that there is a need for professional leadership and long-term thinking to realise the dream of a prosperous Nepal and a happy Nepali, she pointed at the need to establish education institutions and collection centres focused on SMEs and hub centres for the coordinated promotion of business.
She said that since SMEs are also affected by the economic recession, the government should introduce special programmes for businesses and entrepreneurs to reduce the impact.
Although the federation is vying to create one entrepreneur in every household through small and medium businesses, the expected success has not been achieved due to policy hurdles, difficulties in sourcing raw materials, lack of professional training and lack of marketing, Poudel shared.
Similarly, former president of Federation of Handicrafts Association of Nepal Dharma Raj Shakya demanded the government to assist in the development and promotion of SMEs.
Stating that business stakeholders have been bringing raw materials and also raising the necessary manpower themselves, he requested the government to make provisions for easy import of raw materials along with training, skills, and marketing for the development and promotion of small and medium enterprises.
A version of this article appears in the print on June 8, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
