Industry Minister Sinha vows support for cottage, small industries

KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha has vowed government support to develop and promote cottage and small industries for a thriving economy.

He made the pledge during a meeting with representatives of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) on Saturday. “Small and cottage industries are the backbone of the national economy, so the government has prioritised this sector to ensure further growth,” he said.

Although he has held the post for only a short time, Sinha said he will do his utmost to promote small industries through appropriate initiatives. He also told the delegation that the government will prioritise the use of locally available products, which, he argued, would help create jobs and reduce imports.

He added that local resources could be utilised for reconstruction work. “Public offices will be required to procure domestic products, particularly furniture and reconstruction materials,” Sinha said.

FNCSI President Umesh Singh drew the minister’s attention to the high interest rates faced by many small and cottage industries, stressing that concessional loans are necessary for such enterprises.

The meeting was also attended by ministry secretaries Ram Prasad Ghimire and Krishna Bahadur Raut, FNCSI Vice President Satya Narayan Prajapati and other members.

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