KATHMANDU: Entrepreneurs said the Nepali industrial sector has incurred a whopping loss of Rs 200 billion in the agitation ongoing in the Madhes for the past 100 days.

At an interaction on condition of Nepal's industries during blockade held by Media International here in the Capital today, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)'s Industry Committee Chairman Umesh Lal Shrestha, National Trade Association Chairman Nayan Bahadur Chhetri and Remittance Association Chairman Devi Prasad Bhattachan claimed the loss was so huge.

They appealed to the government to create an environment allowing the industries to resume operation.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Industry Som Prasad Pandey on Monday stressed the need for ushering the country forward on a path of self-dependence.

Minister Pandey insisted on introducing new views and planning in agriculture and hydro power sector, and urged the neighbouring countries to facilitate Nepal's transit facility.

The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal's Senior Vice-Chairman Deepak Prasad Dahal attributed the problems emerging in the medicine sector to the government's open market policy.

On the occasion, coffee traders pointed out that they were facing difficulties in processing produced coffees due to shortage of raw materials.

Footwear Association Vice Chairman Krishna Prasad Funyal said the lack of raw materials had forced the shutdown of many companies while Nepal Bottled Water Association Chairman Subash Bhandari said 50 per cent of water industries were shut due to shortage of fuel products.