Pokhara, May 14

Established over forty years ago, Pokhara Industrial Estate in Kaski is facing problems accommodating more factories due to a lack of space.

According to manager Nepal Bhusan Baidhya the industrial estate had been dealing with the issue for the past 10 years. “Every year, hundreds of entrepreneurs approach us with a proposal to set up a factory inside the estate, but we have had to say no because of lack of space,” said Baidhya, adding, “The estate attracts many prospective investors because of the fact that there is round the clock electricity supply.”

The industrial estate sprawls over 501 ropanis of land and has a total of 85 industries. Of these industries, 71 are still in operation, six are under construction, and the rest have been closed. The estate currently employs around 2,000 people.

“We have requested the industries that have been shut for long to vacate the estate so that we can accommodate prospective entrepreneurs,” said Baidhya, adding that his office was also communicating with the concerned authorities to shift the

industrial estate elsewhere.

On his part, President of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bindu Kumar Thapa also sought the government’s help in expanding the industrial estate.