Industry minister pledges to remove legal, procedural hurdles

KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Dipak Kumar Shah has pledged to remove legal and procedural barriers in the industrial sector and create an investment-friendly environment.

Addressing Monday’s meeting of the Industry, Commerce, Labour and Consumer Welfare Committee of the Housse of Representatives, Industry Minister Shah said the government recognised the need for timely reforms in laws, procedures and service delivery.

He said the government’s role was to facilitate and regulate the sector and formulate laws, while the private sector was the leading force in production, investment, employment and innovation. He stressed that the government and the private sector should work together to find solutions to existing problems.

Minister Shah pledged to initiate amendments to restrictive laws and pursue a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and unnecessary interference. He said the government would also address issues related to the digital economy, e-commerce, modern supply chains, international competition and the changing role of the private sector.

During the committee meeting, industrialists said the public holidays and weekly leave provisions have affected industrial productivity and urged the government to review them.

Chamber of Industries Morang President Nand Kishor Rathi urged the committee to reconsider the number of public holidays and the two-day weekend in line with the nature of industrial production.

Morang Merchant Association President Anil Kumar Shah also called on the authorities to address the problems industries faced because of the two-day weekend. He sought legislation governing lending transactions and measures to control unauthorised cross-border trade.

Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Hari Prasad Gautam said the two-day weekend had severely affected industries, as well as the education and health sectors.

Industrialists also called for the establishment of industrial villages, a one-stop system for industry renewal and a sustainable and reliable electricity supply for industrial operations.