KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada has assured of his initiations to clear dues of contractors.

During his meeting with a delegation of Federation of Contractors' Association of Nepal (FCAN) today, the finance minister said he would make initiations to address their issues in cooperation with ministries and departments concerned.

The delegation headed by its acting chair Laxman Kumar Rana apprised the minister that contractors nationwide were yet to be paid over Rs 42 billion by government bodies for their works and services.

The delegation requested Minister Khatiwada to exempt them from taxes imposed on heavy construction equipment.

Likewise, it also drew the attention of the government towards continuous rise in prices and shortage of construction materials, lack of coordination among construction companies, and necessity of business-friendly acts and laws.