MP Bidushi Rana Demands Government Declare Manufacturing Sector a National Priority

Kathmandu. National Independent Party (RSP) MP and businesswoman Bidushi Rana has demanded that the government declare the manufacturing sector a national priority. She made the demand on Tuesday while taking special time in the House of Representatives meeting.

MP Rana said that the country's production sector is in a very difficult situation, so the government should set the budget for the upcoming fiscal year in a way that is easy for industrialists. She emphasized that the government should launch a campaign to promote domestic production.

MP Rana stated that the government should take steps such as providing tax exemptions on the import of raw materials and machinery required for the production sector, ending smuggling, and providing relief on electricity.

Speaking at the meeting, she said, 'The manufacturing sector in Nepal is in a very difficult situation today. Industrialists are not just doing business. They are providing employment to millions of Nepalis, producing goods, paying taxes, and substituting imports. Some are also promoting exports and sustaining Nepal's economy.'

She added, 'But the reality is that producing in Nepal is extremely expensive. High working capital, expensive land, high electricity demand charges, transportation costs, weak infrastructure, smuggling, lack of adequate protection for domestic industries, and complex systems are making it difficult for Nepali industries to compete. Therefore, the upcoming budget must declare the manufacturing sector a National Priority Sector. For this, I want to give some clear suggestions. First, provide tax concessions on raw materials. End smuggling. Launch a 'Made in Nepal' campaign.'

MP Rana seriously drew the government's attention to the fact that Nepali products are unable to compete in the global market because the production cost of Nepali goods is very high.