Lakpa Lama, president of National Micro Entrepreneurs Federation, said though the number of people being self-employed through micro enterprises is increasing, they have not been able to scale up their business. He further added that if the problem of technology and loan persists, micro entrepreneurs will not be able to expand their businesses and contribute significantly to country's economic development.Speaking at a discussion program organized at Martin Chautari, Lama said: "As micro entrepreneurs come from poor background, they have no property for collateral. They cannot even fill loan form as most of them are illiterate or less literate. Even if they receive loan, they cannot follow payment schedule." Therefore they depend on local moneylenders to borrow money at exorbitant interest rates, Lama added.
"Access to machines or technology is another hurdle. As most of the technologies have to be brought from India, it gets delayed and is expensive. If any mechanical problems arise, again we have to bring parts and even the technician from India. This affects productivity and products become expensive, and cannot compete in the market," he added.
Similarly, Rita Bogati, president of Sindhuli Micro Entrepreneurs Groups Association, said that the government should create environment so that youth aspiring to go abroad for job can start their own enterprises in Nepal itself. "Enterprises run in homeland will not only provide them safe and sustainable source of income but also boosts national economy," she added. "It is more important for women to start their own enterprises. When they are financially strong, it will also reduce domestic and gender-based violence and boost their social prestige too."
Lakshman Pun, chief technical advisor of Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDEP), said that as it is proven that micro enterprise is an effective tool for poverty reduction, the government should increase budget for such programs.
Likewise, Ramji Neupane, National Programme Manager of MEDEP, Ramji Neupane underlined the need to create new wave of entrepreneurship development for bolstering national economy.
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