Industry Minister Sinha Calls for Women to Lead, Flags Tariff ‘Malpractice’ at NewBiz Summit

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha has said women should lead decision-making processes and business initiatives rather than merely be included in them.

Addressing the sixth edition of the NewBiz Business Women Summit and Awards 2026 in Kathmandu on Friday as the chief guest, Sinha stressed that meaningful economic transformation would be possible only when women take leadership roles.

Speaking at the event, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting “Made in Nepal” products. He said every product used in his office is locally produced, describing the initiative as a step towards strengthening the domestic economy and supporting local industries.

Sinha also admitted to existing malpractices within the government system. Citing an example from the budget formulation process, he said concerns had been raised over higher tariffs imposed on raw materials compared to relatively lower duties on finished goods imports — a policy that adversely affects domestic industries.

“This may sound unpleasant, but it is the reality,” he said, adding that the government is taking the issue seriously and will address the distortion to protect and promote local production.

The summit is being organised by New Business Age, publisher of Arthik Abhiyan daily and New Business Age magazine, with the objective of encouraging women entrepreneurs and recognising their contributions since 2021.

A total of 14 women entrepreneurs are being honoured across eight categories this year. One woman entrepreneur from each province will receive the Emerging Enterprising Woman award along with a cash prize.

Other categories include the Special Recognition for Contribution on Women Entrepreneurship Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Woman Entrepreneur Award, Professional Woman of Excellence Award, Woman in Tech Award, Youth Woman Entrepreneur Award and Best Business Woman Award.

IME Life Insurance is the title sponsor of the event. The summit is supported by Sipradi Trading, Salt Trading Corporation, LIC Nepal, National Life Insurance, Citizen Life Insurance, Global IME Bank, Fonepay, Machhapuchchhre Bank, Siddhartha Premier Insurance, Nabil Bank, Kajaria Tiles, NLG Insurance, Sitaram Milk, NMB Bank Limited, Muktinath Bikas Bank, Reliable Life Insurance and Curvv EV.