By Our Reporter The Ministry of Industry announced that it would create 11,450 jobs in the next six months. These jobs will be generated in the cottage, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with higher market and export potential. Minister for Industry Nabindra Raj Joshi unveiled this ambitious plan during a press meet organised at the ministry on Monday. He said that the government would train possible entrepreneurs in the field of their choice and provide incubation facility and further training to them if needed. The priority fields for employment generation include metal fabrication, noodles, furniture, wool and felt, Nepali handmade carpets, handmade paper and natural fibre. “Likewise, fruit juice, off seasonal fruits, beekeeping, dhaka and thanka and many other areas are under consideration. These sectors can simultaneously create entrepreneurs and generate employment,” said Joshi. He stated that there was a potential of creating about 50,000 jobs within a couple of years, and in the first phase, 11,450 jobs would be generated. To enable the SMEs to enhance their capacity and generate more employment, the government is working to provide them concessional loans and refinancing facility. The ministry has been coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and Nepal Rastra Bank towards this goal.