KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Finance has initiated consultations with line ministries for the implementation of the budget for the current fiscal year 2025/26.

On Sunday, a discussion regarding budget execution was held with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, according to the Secretariat of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel.

The meeting focused on starting necessary legal, procedural, and practical preparations for the implementation of ministry-wise plans and programs included in the current fiscal year’s budget.

The Industry Ministry’s budget includes the Bhagat Sarvajit Entrepreneurship Development Program, which aims to protect traditional skills, arts, and professions while creating employment and income-generating opportunities.

The program envisions promoting the use of modern technology, providing training, and linking produced goods with market access.

Additionally, the meeting discussed relocating industries operating within the Kathmandu Valley to industrial zones outside the valley to control pollution. Special incentives will be provided to industries undergoing such relocation.

The discussion also touched on establishing an international-standard quality laboratory in Nepal, which would gain recognition from countries like India, China, and the broader international community.

Further discussions were held on the development of modern industrial zones in Mayurdhap of Makwanpur and Shaktikhor of Chitwan.

Finance Minister Paudel, Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Damodar Bhandari, Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyay, Revenue Secretary Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, Industry Secretary Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, among others, were present at the meeting.

The Finance Ministry has planned to hold similar discussions with all line ministries and departments sequentially for the effective implementation of the current fiscal year’s budget.