Kathmandu, June 8
Stakeholders in the Cottage and Small Industries
(CSIs) have stressed the need for promoting micro, cottage, and small
industries.
They made these remarks during the 35th
anniversary celebration organised at the secretariat of the Federation of Nepalese
Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI) in Kathmandu on Sunday.
The FNCSI is the umbrella organisation of micro,
cottage, and small-scale entrepreneurs. The CSIs provide self-employment and
local job opportunities to hundreds of thousands of citizens, as well as
promote domestic production.
FNCSI President Umesh Prasad Singh said that micro,
cottage, and small industries are a reflection of Nepal’s real economic
structure and potential. He stated that it was impossible to envision a
sustainable, inclusive, and self-reliant economy without such industries.
"With the right policy, financial, and
technological support from the state, these industries possess the potential to
make Nepal economically self-sufficient," said Singh.
He drew attention to the fact that these industries,
which support import substitution and export promotion, also contribute to the
economic development in the rural and remote areas. Since small industries can
be established across villages, they also help reduce regional disparities.
According to Singh, such industries utilise local
resources and skills, and empower women, youth, and marginalised communities.
Compared to large industries, they require less investment, involve lower risk,
and offer greater flexibility.
“In a country like Nepal, there are geographical,
capital, and infrastructure constraints in operating large industries. Micro,
cottage, and small industries can truly serve as the backbone of economic
dynamism in our country,” he added.
He also emphasised the need for proper provisions in
the future to ensure continuity to concessional loans and refinancing schemes,
as the upcoming fiscal year’s budget appears silent on such support measures,
which were provided in the past.
Former FNCSI President Shyam Giri said that while
micro, cottage, and small industries are often referred to as the engine of the
economy, this has not been evident in practice.
He said that the FNCSI was established to advocate for
the rights and interests of micro, cottage, and small entrepreneurs and has
evolved into a national umbrella organisation representing such enterprises in
Nepal.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 9 June 2025.
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