Communications Minister expresses government readiness to develop advertising sector as autonomous industry

Lalitpur, Oct 7: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, has expressed the government’s readiness to develop the advertising sector as an autonomous and resilient industry.

In his address to the 13th Red Bull Kriti Award logo unveiling ceremony, organized by Advertising Association of Nepal (AAN), in Lalitpur today, Minister Timilsina emphasized on the concrete efforts to critically review the challenges and weaknesses facing the advertisement sector and explore its resolving measures.

“Advertising is connected not just with business but also with culture, identity of the country, media, democracy, creativity, and the overall economy. The development of the ad industry can contribute positively to the overall economy, democratic practice, and the media sector,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the need to identify the reasons behind sluggish progress in advertising sector, stating that obstacles and manipulations should be addressed through necessary interventions.

He further highlighted the need of open and critical discussions among stakeholders about the Advertising Board, advertising policy, and necessary facilitation from the government.

With the advancement in technology, the advertising market is also rapidly changing, and in the next five to ten years, the active participation of stakeholders from the advertising sector is necessary in long-term policy-making regarding the direction Nepal’s advertising industry should take and the impact of technology.

“There is an essence for the advertising sector to stand on its own capabilities and develop as an autonomous industry without being controlled by any individual or organization. The government understands the importance of the advertising sector and is ready to cooperate for its development,” he said.

Expressing confidence that the Kriti Awards will play a role in revitalizing the Nepali advertising market by encompassing various forms and creations of advertising, Minister Dr. Timilsina expressed hope that the award will see wide participation and highlight the capacity and presence of the Nepali advertising sector.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Anjan Shrestha, stated that the Federation believes advertising should be considered not just as an expense but as a strategic investment that builds brand, consumer trust, and long-term market value.

Acting Chair of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Deepak Malhotra, expressed the view that the government should take the private sector not just as a revenue-generating entity but as a partner in the economy.

Communication entrepreneur and former senior vice president of the FNCCI, Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar, informed that the Kriti Awards was instituted to promote quality development in the advertising market, aiming to appreciate creative work in the Nepali advertising sector and also make the Nepali economy more productive through advertising.(RSS)