Madhesh Province registered 5,068 new industries and business enterprises in fiscal year 2025/26 even as 1,938 businesses closed or were deregistered highlighting the mixed state of business activity amid economic pressures.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Parsa recorded the highest number of new registrations at 1,101 followed by Dhanusha with 777, Bara with 639, Sarlahi with 636, Siraha with 554, Rautahat with 533, Mahottari with 514 and Saptari with 314.

During the fiscal year, 6,122 private firms and 18 partnership firms were newly registered. The ministry also reported that 11,144 firms and 7,540 industries were renewed during the period.

However, business closures remained significant. Of the 1,938 industries and business enterprises that closed or were deregistered, 1,117 were from the commerce sector.

The ministry attributed the closures to the ongoing economic slowdown, liquidity constraints and shortage of investment capital which have continued to pressure businesses across the province.

Despite the closures, registration and renewal activity remained strong, suggesting continued interest in establishing and maintaining businesses in Madhesh. The government collected Rs 52.649 million in revenue from industry and business registrations and renewals during the fiscal year.

The contrasting figures thousands of new registrations alongside nearly 2,000 closures point to a business environment where entrepreneurial activity continues but existing enterprises remain under financial pressure.