June 2: Province 2 is lagging behind significantly in terms of industrial investment, according to the economic survey recently published by the government. The survey report shows that despite being connected with major border points and being home to several industrial corridors, it is even behind the remote Karnali Province when it comes to industrial investment.

However, the private sector is not convinced by these government figures. Ganesh Prasad Lath, president of Province 2 chapter of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), claims that the economic survey data is not based on facts.

Birgunj, the major border point in terms of import-export, is in the province 2. It is close to the Indian seaport and transportation of raw materials and readymade goods through this district is also convinient.

The Birgunj-Pathlaiya Industrial Corridor is considered to be the largest industrial corridor. However, the economic survey shows that Province 2 comes second from the last in terms of attracting industrial investment.

According to the data provided by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies for the Economic Survey,  Province 2 has a total industrial investment of Rs 119 billion while Karnali Province has attracted investment of Rs 131 billion. However, the number of registered industries in Province 2 is 564 while in Karnali it is only 78.

In terms of number of registered industries, Province 2 holds fifth position while Karnali is in the last position. Province 2 is ranked third in the number of small-scale industries. Bagmati province leads the list with a total industrial investment of Rs 224 billion.

Of the 8,384 industries registered with the Department of Industry, Bagmati has the highest number of industries (5,450).

However, the first-ever economic census conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics shows a different result.

Bagmati Province houses the highest number of industrial establishments which is 282,056. Jagdish Prasad Agrawal, analyst and entrepreneur, says that the contradictory government data has raised doubts over their credibility.

Similarly, Lath states that there is a need for a survey that is based on facts.