South Asian Women Development Forum in partnership with Panchkhal Municipality has successfully organized foundation stone laying ceremony of the first “Women Entrepreneurs Green Industrial Park” on Wednesday, 27th Mangsir, 2080 (December 13th 2023). The ceremony was inaugurated by the chief guest, Rt. Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
On the occasion chief guest, Rt. Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal congratulated South Asian Women Development Forum for the initiation of the park. Honorable Prime Minister assured full support of the government and added that this project will be included in the 16th plan of the government of Nepal with priority to green economy industries and women entrepreneurs.
Special guest Honorable Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan shared that the first Women Entrepreneurs Green Industrial Park will serve as a model for future endeavors, showcasing the potential for economic growth, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. He expressed that the government of Nepal will support this pioneering project, recognizing it as unparalleled in its impact and potential.
Pramila Acharya Rijal, SAWDF President highlighted the special features of the First Women Entrepreneurs Green Industrial Park - a public private partnership model project in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the local government - Panchkhal Municipality Kavrepalanchok district. This project is the first of its kind in Nepal and second in South Asia to promote green industrial concept in Nepal with innovative features. The park will be branded and promoted as an "Agri-Tourism Green Industrial Park” with the establishment of 50 small industries related to the agro-food sector, as well as a tourism-focused service sector.
Ms. Rijal urged the Nepalese government to enact legislation in the form of the Women Entrepreneurs Green Industrial Park Act to establish similar parks in six other provinces. She further, stressed the crucial role of women entrepreneurs in the national economy, emphasizing the implementation of projects that foster a conducive environment for micro, small, and medium-sized women entrepreneurs. Lastly, in this momentous laying foundation ceremony, Rijal requested the announcement of today as a day dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs. We should designate today as Women Entrepreneurs' Day, marking the occasion of the first women entrepreneurs' green industrial park laying foundation ceremony.
Mayor of Panchkhal Municipality, Mahesh Kharel, shared his insights on how the Green Industrial Park could contribute to the development of Nepalese women entrepreneurs as well as support the economic growth in Panchkhal, Kavre. Mayor explained, "As male brothers, we recognize that our strengths lie in indirect support, particularly through financial means. Our commitment is to actively contribute to the success of our women entrepreneurs by providing them with the financial liberty and empowerment. He emphasized the numerous benefits of the project, such as increased productivity for farmers, the establishment of high-quality processing infrastructure, an efficient supply chain system, and substantial direct and indirect employment generation through the utilization of locally available raw materials and resources.
