Uncertainty is looming over the Cottage and Small Industry (CSI) Park at Changchay in Tsirang. What started as an initiative to boost small-scale farmers’ income is now facing a lack of interest from entrepreneurs. Only two entrepreneurs have come forward to establish factories at the park, leaving seven plots still vacant. The government initiated the construction of the CSI Park in 2020.
The CSI Park covers over 2.4 acres of land and was designed to accommodate nine cottage and small industries.
The government completed the construction of basic amenities such as access roads, toilets, installation of a wastewater treatment facility, solid waste management system, and power and water supplies some two years ago. However, attracting private individuals to establish factories continues to be a challenge.
A Tsirang resident, who had planned to set up an agro-based factory at the park with his friends, has since moved abroad. He said that the loan moratorium during the COVID-19 pandemic and the park’s location
discouraged them from pursuing the plan. He added that the park’s distance, 30 minutes from the main highway, would make it hard for both entrepreneurs and customers to market their products.
During the Meet the Press session last week, the Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister said that the ministry has been working actively to make the CSI Park operational primarily to promote agro-based industries. The ministry has issued several announcements inviting interested individuals to apply for vacant plots.
Additionally, the ministry has also informed entrepreneurs at the Changzamtok Startup Centre about the availability of vacant plots for business development.
Industry, Commerce and Employment Minister Namgyal Dorji said, “In the last three months, we have equipped the park with packaging and labelling facilities to provide a common facility without having to procure such equipment individually. Despite these efforts, only two individuals have shown interest in setting up factories. They are now close to securing loans from the Economic Stimulus Programme. We still have seven more vacant plots. The ministry also received proposals from Tsirang District Administration assuring us with alternatives to make the park functional.”
The prime minister during the same session said that the government has fulfilled its role by developing infrastructure and creating opportunities. However, he emphasised that it is the private sector’s responsibility to establish businesses.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said, “Despite the ministry’s effort, no one has come forward to establish factories. Then, we must admit that the construction of CSI park at Changchay was a mistake. If it is a mistake, we should consider closing it and focusing on other developmental activities. We cannot force people to start businesses if they are not genuinely interested.”
The project was initially worth around Nu 46 M. Given the current situation, the park may struggle to achieve its goal of boosting local industries and could eventually face closure.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
