Establish Industry, I will provide Electricity: Energy Minister

January 4: Energy Minister Janardan Sharma has committed to provide electricity to new industries established by private sector. Minister Sharma committed so in an interaction program organised with Federation of Nepalese Chamber of commerce and Industries (FNCCI) on January 3. He said that electricity will be given by importing for now and by own produced afterwards. "If an industry is set up today, it will take 1-1.5 years to operate. In the due time, electricity will be provided either by bringing energy from under-developed hydro projects of that time or from other sources as well," he added. Minister Sharma clarified of being ready to provide 1000 MW of electricity if only industrialists come with plans of establishing industries.

Meanwhile, Kush Kumar Joshi, Former President of FNCCI criticised Nepal Electricity Authority for favouring international companies while purchasing electrical equipments. According to him, NEA always invites international bidding to purchase electrical equipments and do not prioritise domestic products.