February 15: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government would take special initiative to augment investment in small and cottage industries. PM Dahal assured the small entrepreneurs that government was working on a policy that ensures easy loans for the small entrepreneurs and their products promoted accordingly. He said this while inaugurating the 16th International Industrial Trade Fair, Small and Cottage Industries' Festival, and the Sixth Organic Agriculture Fair-2023 at Bhrikutimandap on Tuesday.    
"The government’s policy itself should protect and promote small and cottage industries, for which a separate act is necessary. The government therefore pays attention to it," PM Dahal stressed, reminding that Nepal used to export food grains five decades back. The country has huge potential in the agricultural sector.

“Now, time has come for all sides to promote marketing of agricultural products.”    
As the country is reeling under financial crisis at present, the government bears the utmost responsibility to address the problems, said Dahal. "The government is engrossed in resolving the problems and prop up economy," he added.    
On the occasion, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Bhagawati Chaudhari, said Nepal's traditional skills must be commercialized. "Promotion of export and self-reliant economy are the current need," she said, adding that national and international marketing of goods is equally important.    
Similarly, Minister for Tourism, Industry and Cooperatives of Bagmati Province, Dambar Tamang, said that the provincial government would play a significant role in promoting the markets of indigenous and domestic products. "Arts and culture are invaluable inheritance. For their promotion, all sides' cooperation is essential," he stressed.    

The festival and fairs would run till February 18. Some 200,000 people are expected to visit the events leading to a transaction of around Rs 80 million. -- RSS