KATHMANDU, Feb 24: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi has said that the government must give due priority to cottage and small industries if it wants the sector to flourish further and help in country's development.

He also said that the country is self-sufficient on raw materials required for small and cottage industries.

Inaugurating the 28th National Industrial and Technological Expo in Kathmandu on Thursday, he further added that government should encourage more people to establish small and cottage industries to stop exodus of youths to greener pastures abroad. 

“Small and cottage industries can be started with low investment. By providing needful support and incentives, the government can encourage youths in rural areas to start their own business,” Nidhi added.

Likewise, Minister of State for Industry Kanchan Chandra Bade said that the expo would help to promote business of entrepreneurs coming from rural parts of the country. “There is a huge market for Nepali products in the international market. The government should encourage small and cottage industries as their contribution is crucial for economic development of the country,” added Bade.

The expo, which started at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall on Thursday, will conclude on February 28. 

According to the organizers, the expo is being organized to promote productions of cottage and small industries in domestic as well as international market.

Dhaka fabric products, leather products, handicrafts, woolen products, bamboo products, handmade paper products, among others, are being showcased in the expo through 300 stalls. The best stall will be honored with cash prize of Rs 30,000, the organizers said. 

The organizers are expecting 300,000 visitors and transactions worth around Rs 50 million.

 
• deputy prime minister and minister for home affairs
 
• bimalendra nidhi
 
• cottage and small industries