The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies reported that the Micro Enterprise Development Programme was operating across all 753 local governments, while targeted entrepreneurship and technology-support programmes were being implemented for vulnerable groups. Preparations were also in the final stage to recommend 500 projects for startup enterprise loans, and a Business Incubation Center was established at the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute. The government also moved ahead with industrial zones and special economic zones, including PPP-based plans for Damak, Panchkhal and Simara, while most blocks of the Bhairahawa SEZ had come into full operation.
In mining and industrial standards, the ministry said 4,013 metres of exploratory petroleum drilling in Dailekh had been completed, with further study being coordinated with China. Mineral exploration progressed in Bajhang, Baitadi, Udayapur and Tanahun, while agreements were signed for five mineral-promotion proposals covering limestone, gold and iron. The Nepal Standards Council had approved 41 Nepal Standards, and work continued on accreditation, laboratories and industrial quality systems.
Trade diplomacy also advanced, with Nepal concluding bilateral trade and investment framework arrangements with China, South Korea and Australia, holding a Nepal-India Inter-Governmental Committee meeting and advancing cooperation through TIFA with the United States. Nepal secured Indian quotas of 95,000 tonnes of rice, 25,000 tonnes of sugar and 200,000 tonnes of wheat amid export restrictions, while 131 Nepali industries had received BIS certification. The ministry also submitted 23 outstanding WTO notifications and continued preparations for Nepal’s Trade Policy Review.
On supply and consumer protection, the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline expansion was completed, enabling petrol imports through the pipeline alongside diesel, while the Consumer Court began operating in Kathmandu Valley from Chaitra 2, 2081. Work also progressed on aviation-fuel storage, new petroleum pipelines and terminals, while food-security programmes expanded procurement of indigenous crops, subsidized food distribution and agreements with local governments to promote domestic agricultural products.
