KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has stressed the need for exploring entrepreneurship opportunities at the local level to create jobs and achieve self-sufficiency.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Nepal Startup and Small and Medium Enterprises Conference organized by the NC Department for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Department here today, he highlighted that local entrepreneurship development would contribute to job creation, ultimately leading us to self-sufficiency.

Lately, people’s attraction to startup has increased and youths are exploring their creativity with small investment in it, according to the leader who echoed the need for facilities such as concessional loans, training and skill development opportunities, and special grants to support startups. He also urged entrepreneurs to practice patience for the sustainability of their businesses.

The former Prime Minister also underscored the importance of developing key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism to boost the country’s economic growth. He went on to say that recent revisions to various laws and regulations aimed at eliminating obstacles to investment and business would help promote these sectors.

Deuba further advised the state to prioritize the development of the IT sector, stating that political stability, proper utilization of natural resources, development of human resources, and coordinated mobilization of capital and technology were essential for advancing the IT sector.

The former Prime Minister expressed his belief that the conclusions of the conference would provide valuable guidance for the party in preparing an action plan and for the government in policy formulation. The event also aims to compile a report and a book based on the conference’s outcomes, build a network of youth capable of contributing to entrepreneurship and economic growth, and promote local products through policy reforms and exhibitions.

“We are all hopeful of achieving the desired results through collective efforts,” Deuba added.
The two-day conference, which began today at the Nepali Congress central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur, primarily targets encouraging and supporting youth and women interested in starting their own businesses.