KATHMANDU, Nov 26: Industry, Commerce and Consumer Welfare Committee of legislature-parliament has directed the government to prepare a working plan, highlighting possible measures that can be taken to resolve the problems being faced by country's industrial sector.
The committee's meeting held on Wednesday directed the government to submit working plan to the committee within a week. The meeting, which was chaired by committee's president Bhisma Raj Aangdambe, also directed the government to take necessary policy decisions to increase consumption of locally produced goods.
The committee has also directed the government to prepare immediate, mid-term and long-term plan to develop self-reliant economy. It has also asked the Ministry of Industry (MoI) to effectively work on exploration of domestic mines. Similarly, MoI has also been told to take necessary policy measures to promote agro industries, increase industrial production and promote domestic goods.
Speaking at the meeting, president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI)) Pashupati Murarka urged the government to announce different incentives for industries. "Industries are facing huge financial loss as the result of ongoing blockade and Tarai unrest," Murarka said, adding, "Many industries have already shut operation, while many are on the verge of closure."
Informing that importers will have to pay billions of rupees as demurrage and detention charge to shipping companies, Murarka said, the government should immediately incentives and subsidy to protect industrial sector. He also requested Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) to put industries in priority while distributing petroleum products.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister for Industry Som Prasad Pandey expressed commitment to help private sector and industrial sector. He also said MoI will implement directions given by the committee. "We will work in coordination with the private sector to address problems faced by the industrial sector due to unrest and blockade," Minister Pandey said.
Published on: My Republica (November 26, 2015)
