Bardaghat SME Village seen as growth engine

Kathmandu, Feb. 26

Investors have expressed confidence that the Bardaghat SME Village will contribute to the economic development of Nawalparasi.

Speaking at an interaction programme organised by the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), with support from the Bardaghat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), Bardaghat Industry and Trade Association, and the CNI Youth Entrepreneurs Forum in Bardadhat on Thursday, they said it would help in creating employment and using local raw materials.

Acting President of the CNI, Nirvana Chaudhary, said the organisation has remained committed to promoting entrepreneurship and that the Bardaghat SME Village should be developed as a pilot project and model industrial village. He stated that the initiative could help promote small and medium-sized enterprises in the area.

Chaudhary also noted that industrial villages are necessary as a significant portion of investment is required for land acquisition when establishing industries. He said the presence of large industries and road infrastructure in Nawalparasi has created conditions favourable for the development of small and medium enterprises.

Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Shekhar Golchha, noted that unemployment remains a major issue in Nepal and that many young people have gone abroad for work, adding that industrial development is necessary to create jobs and support economic growth.

He said industrial villages could support industrialisation and added that the Golchha Group is positive about bringing industries to the area.

Likewise, Former CNI President Vishnu Kumar Agarwal said the contribution of manufacturing industries to gross domestic product has declined to about five per cent. He said efforts are needed to increase the sector’s share and referred to industrial parks in Bangladesh and India as examples. He also said there are plans to expand the MAW Skill Academy to the area, which already operates in Kathmandu and Janakpur.

CNI Vice-President Rohit Gupta said he was able to establish the Kajaria Tiles industry in Bardaghat within a year due to local support. He stressed the need to develop the SME Village alongside large industries.

President of the BCCI, Lekh Nath Neupane, said industrial villages are essential to promote small industries. Similarly, Bardaghat Industry and Trade Association Vice-President Lilahari Paudel said the area’s proximity to the Indian border facilitates the import of raw materials and export of finished goods.

CNI Lumbini Province President Ejaz Alam said the area’s infrastructure and proximity to Rupandehi make it suitable for industrial expansion.

Similarly, CEO of Nabil Bank, Manoj Gyawali, said the presence of more than 250 financial institutions has improved access to finance and that the bank has been supporting entrepreneurship and skills development.

Chair of the CNI Youth Entrepreneurs Forum Lumbini, Rajan Kasaju, said young people are starting businesses in Nepal and stressed the need for policies to encourage entrepreneurship and reduce outward migration.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 27 February 2026.