‘Relocation of valley industries essential for better urbanization’

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Damodar Bhandari, has opined that relocation of Kathmandu Valley industries would contribute to better urbanization.

Minister Bhandari said it while receiving a memorandum from the Grill and Steel Entrepreneurs’ Federation Nepal in the ministry on Sunday. “In the developed countries, industries are located away from urban area; we can also mull separate safe places for industries,” he reiterated.

He however said it is government’s duty to create necessary infrastructures for industries. The Minister also vowed to address most of the demands of the Federation.

Minister Bhandari suggested the Federation that it adopted new technology as per time need.

According to him, we can not compete in the global market with continuous reliance of import of raw materials. The foreign items must be replaced, he suggested.

A delegation led by Federation Chairman Thulo Babu Shrestha met the Minister and demanded him that he took initiatives to up custom tariff on import of the products which Nepal itself produces in the country.

The Minister assured the delegation that he would coordinate with Finance Ministry to address the genuine demands. He also pledged ministry support for adoption of new technology in the grill industries.

The Federation put forth seven demands, including creation of atmosphere conducive for it.