October 16: A new industrial zone is going to be built on the land of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Bara's Simara. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply is preparing to set up a new industrial zone in the SEZ.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal said in an interaction with the entrepreneurs that an industrial zone will be built on ​​400 bighas of land in the D and E blocks of Simara SEZ.

Senior Vice President of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Hari Gautam, informed NBA that Minister Rijal revealed the plan during a visit to Simara to discuss about the industrial sector.

“A proposal for the new industrial zone will be submitted to the Council of Ministers after Dashain. Once the proposal is passed by the Council of Ministers, the construction of the industrial zone will proceed," said Gautam, quoting Minister Rijal.

SEZ has prepared structures in three of out of five blocks. Gautam said that getting land for new industries is becoming difficult in the Bara-Parsa Industrial Corridor, and that the entrepreneurs are excited about the preparation of a new industrial zone.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies had commissioned the Industrial Area Management Limited to conduct a feasibility study for the establishment of an industrial zone. The ministry said that the body has submitted a report with the conclusion that Simara is the most suitable place for establishing an industrial zone. It is mentioned in the report that the location is best for the industrial sector due to its infrastructure, and proximity to the seaport, and access to expressway.

Industrial Area Management Limited and the SEZ Authority Board of Directors have approved the proposal for the construction of the industrial zone. As entrepreneurs are not attracted to SEZs, there is a demand to make SEZs an industrial zone. Although the industries have been invited to SEZ's A, B and C blocks, the entrepreneurs are not excited.

Rijal also said that preparations are being made to reduce the mandatory export limit from 60 per cent to 30 per cent for the industries operating in SEZ. The minister informed that the rent of SEZ will also be reduced from Rs 20 to Rs 10 per square meter. This measure has been adopted to attract industries to SEZ.