Deepak Kumar Shah has taken the oath of office and secrecy as Nepal’s new Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies.
President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath to Shah at a ceremony in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Shah was appointed to the ministry after the resignation of Gauri Kumari Yadav. The government has been undergoing cabinet changes as Prime Minister Balendra Shah reshapes his administration.
The Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ministry oversees key areas of Nepal’s economy, including industrial policy, trade, supply management and consumer-related matters.
Shah’s appointment comes at a time when the ministry is dealing with several economic challenges, including supply management, industrial investment, trade policy and efforts to expand domestic production.
The ministry’s current policy agenda includes measures aimed at promoting industrialisation, improving the business environment and supporting startup and investment activity. Government documents also show ongoing work on trade policy, startup fast-track measures and industrial legislation.
The new minister is expected to take responsibility for these programmes while addressing immediate concerns facing businesses and consumers.
His appointment also comes as the government prepares for Prime Minister Shah’s planned participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly later this month
For businesses, investors and Nepalis working abroad, the ministry’s direction could have implications for trade, investment, imports, exports and opportunities for investment in Nepal.
