Two former PMs also attend the same programme
22 July, Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has stressed the implementation of the public private partnership (PPP) economic modality adding that incumbent government’s major priority was economic prosperity in the country.
Inaugurating the 14th annual general meeting of Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) that kicked off in the capital city on Friday under the theme of ‘Prosperity: Only through Investment and Development’, the PM said that he was worried about the country’s burgeoning trade deficit with India and China.
Saying that establishment of the export-based industries, development of export-based good and market promotion was inevitable to reduce country’s trade imbalance, PM Deuba urged the industrialists for setting up such types of industries.
The government is ready to offer all possible supports, services, facilities, subsidies and encouragement if the industrialists open export-based industries, the PM added.
Stating that trade deficit was creating unfathomable situation and pressure was added to foreign exchange reserve and balance of payment (BOP), Deuba urged the industrialists to work for export promotion.
He also said that the government would hold talks with the high-level Indian officials to reduce Nepal’s trade deficit.
The PM further urged the industrialists to work seriously to bring in joint investment and pledged government’s readiness to amend the legal obstacles if any to that end.
“You (industrialists) submit the draft of the text. The government would begin necessary process immediately to amend if there are any legal problems,” he assured.
Likewise, PM Deuba pledged to provide land plots needed to establish the industrial estate each one in all seven provinces.
During the programme, the PM also honoured industrialists and business persons for their contribution to export promotion.
Also speaking at the programme, former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said that inclusive economic development along with social justice is the country’s current necessity adding that prosperity in the country could be achieved through proper utilization of energy, tourism, agriculture and medicinal herbs.
Stating that there is no alternative to public-private partnership, he suggested to establish new factories and industries and to seek foreign investments or donor agencies for the same.
“Let’s utilize the skills, capacity and recourses available in our country,” he said urging one and all to help prevent capital flight.
Suggesting the concerned ones to seek loan rather than grant from the agencies like the World Bank, he spoke of the need to mobilize the capital that is now with the Nepalis and not giving in to the impractical conditions put forth by the foreign donor agencies.
He reaffirmed his fullest support from his party for the industrial development in the country.
Similarly, former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli pointed out the need for all the caste and communities in the countries as well as the political parties to work together for ensuring economic prosperity in the wake of obtaining political stability.
He also reaffirmed UML’s commitment and cooperation for the establishment of the export-oriented industries and increment of the productivity.
Chairman Oli said, “There is a new wave of excitement in the country. All Nepalis want economic development. Let’s utilize all available natural resources in the country for nation building.”
Saying strategic plan to achieve goals of sustainable economic growth determined by the United Nations and its implementation was indispensible, he pointed out that all concerned sides should involve to fulfill the commitment of sustainable development made before 193 countries of the world.
Likewise, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Bhawani Rana, said that entrepreneurs have wanted to collaborate with the government for the economic progress of the country.
She also complained that industrialists have been facing problems due to non-particle acts and laws.
CNI Founding President Binod Kumar Chaudhary said that the political leadership should play the guardianship role honestly, knowing the problems of industrial sector.
CNI President Hari Bhakta Sharma said that despite economic growth rate, infrastructure development, financial management and good governance are not paid much attention.
He urged the government to prepare policy level groundwork for investment growth, imports replacement and export promotion. RSS
