KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari has said the government is pursuing diplomatic initiatives to address the technical and trade-related obstacles affecting Nepal’s tea exports.
Responding to lawmakers’ questions during discussions on her ministry’s Appropriation Bill in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, the minister said efforts are underway through diplomatic channels to resolve problems that have disrupted tea exports.
Kumari also informed Parliament that the government is arranging resources for the construction of warehouses in partnership with entrepreneurs and businesses to address storage challenges faced by tea, large cardamom, and other agricultural products while expanding market access.
She further stated that work is progressing on the Siliguri-Charali and Amlekhgunj-Lothar cross-border petroleum pipeline projects through the Nepal Oil Corporation. Land has also been secured in Sarlahi for the construction of a petroleum storage facility.
According to the minister, the government is working toward expanding petroleum storage capacity to ensure reserves sufficient to meet national demand for up to three months.
Kumari said startup loan programs, business promotion services, and entrepreneurship development initiatives based on innovation and technology will also be implemented to encourage enterprise growth.
She added that various programs have been proposed under the National Enterprise Service to promote entrepreneurship, increase domestic production, and generate employment opportunities.
The minister also clarified that budget allocations for industrial villages will be released by the ministry in accordance with legal provisions and based on the progress of construction work.
Comment