Kathmandu. Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari has said that consumer goods imported from outside would be supplied to consumers only after testing them from laboratories within the country.

Addressing an interaction programme on ‘Investment and Development Conference’ to be organised by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the Far-Western State Government here today, he said the imported consumer goods would be allowed to be tested and consumed so that public health is not affected.

Minister Bhandari said, “We will set up industries and factories with international standards in the country. It will have long-term significance in the development of Nepal’s industry and improvement in the living standards of the citizens. Preparations are underway to export 77 goods at zero customs facility through The Nepal Trade Priority Programme (NTPP) as the United States is the second largest export destination for Nepali goods, he added.

Stating that trade in Nepalese goods has been gaining priority in the global market lately, he said the federal government was moving ahead with a policy of not compromising on the health and safety of the common consumers. He stressed the need for cooperation and coordination among all towards increasing production by protecting such industries as goods like carpets and pashmina are the identity of Nepalis.

Sudurpaschim State Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah urged the private sector to invest in the far-western region without hesitation. “The state government will provide the land required for setting up industries in the far-western region,” he said. We want to turn the possibilities of the province into reality by collaborating with the private sector. ’

Stating that there was a lot of potential in water resources, tourism, agriculture, herbs and minerals sectors in the far-western region, the Chief Minister stressed the need for immediate investment in these sectors for the economic transformation there.

Most of the participants of the programme opined that there should be no delay in investment in the far-western state as there is a lot of potential for industrial development.