Hetauda, July 27

All industries in the Hetauda Corridor which had remained closed for the complete four months due to the nationwide lockdown against COVID-19 pandemic have finally reopened.

The Hetauda Corridor Management Ltd Office said all 111 industries are now back to business, but not in full operation. All factories except those for manufacturing biscuits, noodles, bakery items, poultry food, dairy products and drinking water had remained shut during lockdown. Now, they have resumed operation with the lifting of lockdown.

At present, industries relating to the manufacturing of essential goods (food) are delivering 80 percent of the total capacity while other industries producing chemical substances, construction materials, machinery and plastic run in 50 percent of the capacity. Limited availability of raw materials, an imbalance between production and demand and lack of required number of work force are among the challenges industries are facing in the post-lockdown period, said office Chief Rajendra Kandel. Investors are in stress due to financial issue and the disturbed supply chain, according to him.

Demand and supply chain is not encouraging in the aftermath of lockdown, forcing manufactures to store goods in warehouses, it is said. Before the lockdown, around 5,000 workers would work in the corridor and many of them did not turn back after lockdown.

Ninety-percent workers were outside from Hetauda. The corridor has an investment of Rs 5.5 billion from the private sector followed Rs 900 million government’s investment.