Relocation of industries necessary for better urbanisation: Minister Bhandari

KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has suggested that the relocation of industries from the Kathmandu valley could enhance urbanisation.

Minister Bhandari made this remark while receiving a memorandum from Federation of Grill and Steel Fabricators' Association Nepal (FGFSN) at the ministry on Sunday. He said, "In developed countries, industries are typically located outside the urban areas; we might also think about separate safe locations for industries."

He further stressed that it is the government's duty to provide the necessary infrastructure for industries. The Minister also committed to addressing the FGFSN's concerns.

Minister Bhandari suggested the FGFSN embrace new technology to keep up with the times.

The Industry Minister opined that our competitiveness in the global market is compromised by our ongoing dependence on imported raw materials. He recommended that foreign goods should be replaced.

A delegation headed by FGFSN Chairperson Thulo Babu Shrestha met with Minister Bhandari and urged him to take steps to raise the customs tariff on the import of products that domestic industries produce.

The Minister assured the delegation that he would coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to address their valid concerns. He also pledged the ministry's support for the implementation of new technology in the grill industries.

The FGFSN put forth seven demands, including the establishment of a favourable environment for their operations.