CNI organises ‘Make in Nepal Swadeshi Summit 2024’

KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) organised the ‘Make in Nepal Swadeshi Summit 2024’ in Kathmandu, on Tuesday. 

The event was inaugurated by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Supplies Damodar Bhandari. 

During his welcome remarks, CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal mentioned that since its launch in late 2021, the Make in Nepal-Swadeshi campaign has not only created a brand identity, but it has also been urging the Nepali government, private sector, and stakeholders to take concrete steps towards building a self- reliant economy. “Achieving the goals of this national campaign is only possible through close coordination and cooperation between the government and the private sector. The campaign is moving forward in that direction,” he added.

Agrawal shared that with the main objective of increasing domestic industrial production and expanding the reach of Nepali goods and services in the national and international markets, the 'Make in Nepal-Swadeshi' campaign has already enrolled 135 domestic industries. He informed that member companies of the Swadeshi campaign are using a standardised 'Swadeshi' logo featuring a rhinoceros on their products.

CNI President Agrawal said that CNI has been supporting the campaign by advocating for policies beneficial to the participating industries, facilitating networking and marketing, and promoting their products. “We are utilising various domestic and international platforms for this purpose,” he said.

He informed that CNI has already joined the 'Agora' platform through an agreement with the United Nations Capital Development Fund. Agora is a web platform project that connects entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from developing, emerging, and frontier markets. “Through this platform, we will be able to connect our Swadeshi member companies' products with an international network. We have also informed our members on how to join this platform,” he shared.

During the inaugural session, Dr Biswo Poudel, Former Vice-Chairman of National Planning Commission, spoke about the need to create a market for domestically produced goods. He stated that funds can be provided and industries can be set up but if there is no market for the goods that are produced then all efforts go to waste. 

Meanwhile, Minister Bhandari claimed that the government has always been helping local businesses and also mentioned that there have been amendments made to certain policies so as to create an investor-friendly climate in the country. 
There were various sessions organised throughout the day during the summit.  

Minister Bhandari stated, “It is necessary to promote domestic industries to expand trade by leveraging comparative advantages. Provisions for this will be made in the upcoming year’s budget.”

He affirmed that the MoICS is committed to promoting domestic enterprises and prioritising domestic industries. “The Ministry of Finance has been advised in this regard. I will also personally take special initiatives for this work,” he added.

The Industry Minister underscored the need to increase the contribution of the industrial sector to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), stating that economic prosperity would be elusive without the contribution of the industrial sector to the economy.

He highlighted the need for significant reform for this purpose. Minister Bhandari urged all stakeholders to work towards increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the national economy and to encourage investments in the industrial sector. He affirmed the government’s commitment to promoting investment in industries in collaboration with the private sector.

“In order to attract both foreign and domestic investment, I request the private sector to play a crucial role in encouraging foreign investors based on their experience in promoting investment in the industrial sector and attracting foreign investors,” he suggested.

Praising the role played by the CNI in promoting industries in the country since its inception, he expressed his gratitude for the Confederation’s contribution to facilitating the implementation of the government’s policy and increasing industrial production as an organisation of genuine industrialists.

Minister Bhandari expressed confidence that the ‘Make in Nepal Swadeshi’ campaign, which is being conducted by the CNI in agreement with the Government of Nepal, will prove to be a milestone in developing the country as a self-reliant, self-sufficient and export-oriented economy.

He said, “The Ministry has been giving this campaign high priority and has also been assisting in making this campaign a success. It will continue to do so in the future. The CNI has been urging the government and public entities to buy domestic goods and the government is also positive about this. This arrangement is in place in the law as well. The ministry will also take necessary initiatives for its effective implementation. I urge everyone, including the private sector, to use local products.”

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