Govt to set up SEZ in all seven provinces

Published On: January 4, 2017 10:20 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Jan 4: The government has planned to set up special economic zones (SEZs) in all seven provinces of the country.

While the government has already started work to establish the SEZ in three provinces, it is planning to add such industrial zones in four more provinces.

Organizing a press briefing in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Minister for Industry Nabindra Raj Joshi said that work on SEZ projects is going on in Province No. 5 (Bhairahawa), Province No. 2 (Simara) and Province No. 3 (Panchkhal).

Joshi also said that the government will set up SEZ in Province No. 1 (Biratnagar), Province No. 4 (Gorkha), Province No. 6 (Jumla) and Province No. 7 (Dhangadhi). He told the press briefing that the SEZ in Bhairahawa would come into operation ‘soon’.

“The SEZ management has already signed agreement with 21 industries,” he added.
Meanwhile, the government has also amended the Mines and Minerals Regulation, giving priority to technical proposal over financial while exploration of mines in the country. Joshi also said that the ministry will issue a tender notice to call bids for exploration of mines and minerals, including petroleum products. “We are inviting bids in a couple of days for the exploration of mines and minerals as well as to conduct detailed study of places having mines and minerals deposits,” added Joshi.

During the press briefing, he also indicated that the government would act tough against those who have been holding licenses of mine and minerals without extraction. “Holding license for a long time without exploration does not benefit the country. Others should get opportunity if such license holders do not carry out works as per their commitment,” said Joshi, indicating that such license could be revoked.

According to Joshi, the ministry has also intensified works to revive troubled public industries. He said that Nepal Ausadhi Ltd will start its production in coming two months while there are also plans to revive Butwal Thread Industry, Birgunj Sugar Mill and Hetauda Kapada Udhyog in the near future.