18th April 2025, Kathmandu
Sushma Mahara, Secretary of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kathmandu (NCICC) and Vice President of Corporate Media, met Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel at the Ministry of Finance. The purpose of the meeting was to raise urgent concerns faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kathmandu.
Nepal Budget 2025 Kathmandu SMEs
She visited the ministry in person. Mahara shared the daily struggles of local traders and business owners. She stressed the need for focused government support through the upcoming national budget.
Budget Should Include SME Priorities
Mahara urged the minister to prioritize small and mid-level businesses. She believes these businesses drive the city’s economy. She recommended special provisions for them in the new budget. According to her, targeted tax reforms, access to finance, and operational ease can help these sectors grow.
She emphasized that if these businesses thrive, the overall economy will benefit.
Policy Corruption Must Be Addressed
Mahara raised serious concerns about policy-level corruption. She described it as a deep-rooted issue harming national development. Mahara said the problem is visible even from outside the system. She urged Minister Paudel to take the lead in tackling it.
She proposed a clear action plan to reduce and eventually eliminate policy corruption. According to her, transparency and accountability in decision-making must improve.
Minister Responds Positively
Finance Minister Paudel appreciated Mahara’s feedback. He said the government is working to support entrepreneurs and business owners. The minister stated that recent ordinances already reflect this approach.
Paudel said the current administration has shown that it stands with traders, industrialists, and business communities. He promised to study the suggestions seriously.
He assured that the new budget will include practical measures for business facilitation. According to him, easing the burden on SMEs is one of the government’s top priorities.
Government and Private Sector Must Collaborate
Mahara also stressed stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector. She called for consistent dialogue and inclusion of business voices in national policy.
Her meeting reflects growing concern from the business community about economic reform and ethical governance. Mahara believes that sustainable policies will only emerge when both sectors work together.
Women’s Leadership Gaining Ground
As a prominent woman leader in the corporate and beauty sectors, Mahara’s voice carries influence. Her role in policy advocacy highlights the expanding participation of women in national economic discourse.
She said women entrepreneurs also face added challenges and must not be overlooked in policy-making.
Conclusion
The meeting ended with mutual understanding. Mahara’s concerns and suggestions are expected to be reviewed during the final phase of budget planning. Both sides agreed on the need for transparent, inclusive, and practical economic reforms.
This dialogue marks a step forward in addressing both SME challenges and broader governance issues.
For more: Nepal Budget 2025 Kathmandu SMEs