National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal has emphasized that Nepal’s long-term economic transformation is impossible without strengthening small and medium enterprises (SMEs), calling them the most critical engine of jobs, production, and local economic activity.

Speaking at the eighth annual general meeting of the Nepal National Entrepreneurs Federation, Chairman Dahal said that SMEs are not just contributors to the economy but the foundation of sustainable growth and self-reliance.

He noted that Nepal has no shortage of discussions and policy explanations, but a serious gap remains in implementation and practical reforms. According to him, the real challenge is not identifying problems but converting policies into tangible outcomes.

Dahal further highlighted that entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers such as high interest rates, bureaucratic delays, unclear regulations, and the dominance of intermediaries in markets. These issues, he said, are directly weakening the productivity and confidence of small businesses.

He also assured that the National Assembly and the federal parliament would remain committed to supporting necessary legal reforms to protect and promote the interests of entrepreneurs. He stressed the need for a simplified tax system, stronger encouragement for youth entrepreneurship, and improved market transparency.

“The time has come to move beyond analysis and focus on execution,” Dahal remarked, urging coordinated efforts between the government, financial institutions, and the private sector to strengthen the SME ecosystem.