KATHMANDU, Mar 1: Minister for Industry Nabindra Raj Joshi on Tuesday said exodus of youths to overseas job markets can be controlled by encouraging them to start cottage and small industries in the country.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 28th National Industrial and Technological Expo on Tuesday, Minister Joshi said youths do not have to travel to foreign land after a decade as the government was establishing small and cottage industries across the country.“

"Cottage and small industries can make women of rural areas financially independent. Our society will become economically stronger, once woman becomes financially independent," he said, adding that government on Friday announced a program to register 100,000 new small and cottage industries across the country within 50 days. Joshi said that the program was announced, targeting youths and women living in different parts of the country.“

"The program will encourage youths to establish industries instead of leaving for greener pastures abroad," Joshi said, adding: "Involvement of youths can work wonders in our economy. We won't have shortage of raw materials. Similarly, market won't be a problem for us as we have two economic giants as our neighbors."

The expo was organized by Cottage and Small Industries Development Board with the objective of promoting cottage and small industries. According to the board, the expo saw participation of 305 entrepreneurs from 73 districts. 

Around 300 stalls showcased Dhaka fabric products, leather products, handicrafts, woolen products, bamboo products, handmade paper products, among others, in the expo.

According to the organizers, the expo attracted around 320,000 visitors and recorded transactions worth Rs 50 million.

 
• nabindra raj joshi
 
• cottage industries