Minister for Industry Mahesh Basnet felicitated 51 women entrepreneurs from 43 districts with Rs 5,000 cash price and a certificate each. Speaking on the occasion, Minister Basnet said that the government would extend all possible support to women entrepreneurs. He further said that the government has issued a directive to government offices to use 'Made in Nepal' whenever possible. "There is a need to make amendment to Public Procurement Act so that government agencies can buy 'Made in Nepal' products even if they are a bit expensive," he added.Stating that earthquake of April 25 and aftershocks thereafter killed 50 entrepreneurs and damaged few industries, Minister Basnet said the government would provide concessional loans to quake-hit entrepreneurs.
"MoI is always ready to support for rebuilding of industries affected by the earthquake," he said, adding that now entrepreneurs must insure their businesses.
Jay Mukunda Khanal, secretary of MoI, said economy would be stronger only if growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) pick up. He also said the ministry was collecting details of loss suffered by industries in the recent earthquake.
Dinesh Shrestha, vice president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) requested the government to exempt VAT for certain period to facilitate industries.
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