Prime Minister Stresses Domestic Production and Export

22nd July 2025, Kathmandu

During the meeting, Prime Minister Oli emphasized the need to transform Nepal into a production hub, advocating for the increased domestic manufacturing of goods, from household items to other essential products.

Prime Minister Stresses Domestic Production

He highlighted that replacing imports is only possible through the widespread production and use of indigenous goods. The Prime Minister also stated that the government is working to encourage the private sector through legal and policy reforms.

CNI’s ‘Make in Nepal’ Campaign and Ambitious Economic Goals

CNI’s newly elected President, Virendra Raj Pandey, informed the Prime Minister about the ongoing ‘Make in Nepal’ domestic campaign, aimed at import substitution. The CNI has set an ambitious goal to grow Nepal’s economy to $100 billion and achieve double-digit economic growth within the next decade. Preliminary studies suggest that focusing on eight key sectors will be crucial to reaching this target. Pandey expressed confidence that the government would prioritize legal and policy reforms to support these goals.

CNI’s Engagements with Key Government Officials

Following their meeting with the Prime Minister, CNI officials also held separate discussions with Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari, Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal, Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka, and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee Rishikesh Pokharel.

These meetings covered various topics, including the current state of the economy, legal and policy reforms, and the effective implementation of the budget.

Industry Minister Bhandari stressed the need for further efforts to boost private sector morale and emphasized that industrial infrastructure should be developed by the private sector. Minister Dahal stated that his ministry is ready to collaborate on policy formulation for overall economic development. Energy Minister Khadka indicated that the government is preparing to open up electricity trading to the private sector.

The discussions included the participation of CNI Vice Presidents Raj Bahadur Shah, Hem Raj Dhakal, Amit Mor, Bhim Ghimire, Gokul Bhandari, board member Sandeep Sharda, and Director General Dr. Ghanshyam Ojha, among others.

Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI): Championing Nepal’s Industrial Growth

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) is one of Nepal’s leading umbrella organizations representing the country’s industrial and business sector. Established in 2002, CNI was founded by a group of young, dynamic industrialists and entrepreneurs with the goal of promoting a competitive industrial environment in Nepal. The organization primarily focuses on creating a business-friendly ecosystem to accelerate private sector-led economic growth.

CNI represents a wide range of industries including manufacturing, energy, construction, tourism, finance, IT, and infrastructure. Its membership includes both large corporate houses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With its forward-looking vision, CNI acts as a bridge between the government and the private sector, advocating for policy reforms that enhance industrial productivity and global competitiveness.

One of the key contributions of CNI has been its active engagement in public-private dialogue. The confederation regularly organizes policy forums, investment summits, and economic conferences to raise critical issues affecting businesses in Nepal. It also works closely with national and international organizations to bring in best practices, innovation, and investment opportunities.

CNI strongly promotes sustainable industrialization and entrepreneurship development. It supports startups, encourages digital transformation, and advocates for improved infrastructure and energy access. Through its various committees and councils, CNI provides a platform for industries to collaborate, voice concerns, and develop joint strategies for growth.

In addition, the confederation has been instrumental in mobilizing the private sector’s role in national development. During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, CNI played a vital role in coordinating relief efforts and supporting economic recovery measures.

As Nepal aspires to graduate from a least developed country (LDC) to a middle-income nation, CNI’s role becomes even more crucial. By fostering industrial growth, innovation, and policy reform, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries continues to shape the future of Nepal’s economy with resilience, vision, and commitment.

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