4 March, Pokhara:
Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said the attainment of economic progress and development would remain at a distance until the severe power crisis facing the country was addressed.
Opening the National Industrial Trade Fair that began at the Pokhara Exhibition Center Friday, Minister Poudel said the government was effortful to work on alternative (biogas plants and solar energy) to hydroelectricity to cope with the immense blackouts facing the country.
The construction of an international airport in the town would start after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China to take place in the near future, he said.
Legislature-Parliament’s Development Committee Chair Rabindra Adhikari drew attention of the Finance Minister towards the budget allocation for the promotion of tourism in Pokhara.
On the occasion, Minister Poudel honoured the Women Skill Development Organisation with the Best Women Award carrying a purse of Rs 10,000.
The festival is aimed at promoting industrial, agro and handicraft products, information technology, education, health and tourism sectors and seeking appropriate market for them. The fair has showcased 306 stalls and it would continue until March 14.
