With no entrepreneurs interested in establishing factories at the Cottage and Small Industry or CSI Park in Changchay, Tsirang, the district administration is now stepping in to attract potential entrepreneurs and make the park operational. The project, initiated a few years ago still remains underutilised without a single active entrepreneur.
Despite having all required infrastructure in place, the CSI Park constructed on over 2.4 acres of land remains idle for years now. The project initially aimed at promoting agro-based companies by encouraging value addition to Tsirang’s rich agricultural produce. However, in the absence of any activities at the site, the park is now gradually turning into a grazing land.
Nine plots were initially allotted to entrepreneurs but seven of them had later withdrawn their plans. The plot owners earlier told that, the COVID-19 pandemic and loan moratorium hindered construction of manufacturing units. One entrepreneur also cited the park’s location from the highway had also discouraged him to start business in the area. The park is more than 11 kilometres below the Tsirang-Wangdue Highway.
Meanwhile, an official from the Tsirang District Administration said, works are underway to transform the CSI park into a livestock hub. Although an open call for expression of interest has not yet been announced, a meat vendor from Thimphu has already expressed in setting up a facility at the park to process meat items for marketing. The planned livestock hub will focus on processing, labelling, and packaging of pork and chicken after sourcing from local farmers for marketing.
During a Meet the Press session in March this year, the industry, commerce and employment minister said, the ministry received proposals from Tsirang District Administration to explore alternatives to make the park functional.
The government has invested about Nu 52 M in developing the park infrastructure.
Pema Tshewang
Edited by Kipchu
