Kathmandu. The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry has conveyed the views of the private sector to the government on the occasion of its third general convention in the presence of industrialists and businessmen. The federation has conveyed the views of the private sector to the government by involving Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, the Prime Minister’s Economic and Development Advisor Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari and other stakeholders.
In the program chaired by the coordinator of the federation, Bhagirath Sapkota, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, while addressing the program as the chief guest, said that the current government has given great importance to the private sector and said that the role of the private sector will be important in building a self-reliant economy. He also said that the government is focused on developing the economy by reforming the law and tax system.
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The preparation of the policy program and budget for the next fiscal year has progressed. We are also thinking of making necessary reforms in the law and tax system through the budget,’ Prime Minister Oli said. ‘For this, the private sector should come forward with suggestions on where reforms are needed, and the government is ready to listen to them and provide necessary facilitation.’
He said that the government is pursuing a policy of increasing exports, gradually replacing imports, and promoting the use of domestic products within Nepal. As a result of this, the Prime Minister also said that the situation of the business sector, which had deteriorated in the past, is now gradually improving.
In the program, former Finance Minister Dr. Yubaraj Khatiwada, who is also the Prime Minister’s Economic and Development Advisor, said that the current government will not formulate policies by looking at any specific family. He said that the current government treats all industrialists and businessmen equally and has been doing so.
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The current government does not formulate policies in favor of any particular business family, the state policy is sector-friendly, for this it is clear that everyone should be given equal opportunities and a chance to compete.’ Former Finance Minister Khatiwada said, ‘You can be sure of this, the government will not intimidate or threaten those who do business efficiently.’
He also said that the complications created by the previous government in the country’s economy are being gradually resolved. Urging industrialists to invest with confidence, Dr. Khatiwada also pledged that no state body will intimidate or threaten entrepreneurs. Instead, he said that the state is moving towards facilitating the industrialists and businessmen by formulating and amending laws in a fast-track manner.
In the program, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari said that the government has prioritized the policy of developing small and cottage industries. Stating that the development and protection of domestic industries is the priority of the current government, he also informed that correspondence has been sent to public bodies to use domestic products.
Although the country’s economy had reached a coma before the formation of the current government, he said that now it has gradually reached the general ward through ventilators and ICUs. Minister Bhandari clarified that the government has amended dozens of laws related to industry and business to pull the country out of economic stagnation.
Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Industries and Businessmen, L.P. Sawba Limbu, who is also a member of parliament at the event, said that it is the responsibility of the government and the policy sector to provide positivity to the psychology of the Nepali society that is becoming negative. He said that it is necessary to look at the private sector, which has been providing employment to 5.5 million people and contributing 81 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, with respect.
President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Dhakal, has said that the wrong narrative that nothing happens in Nepal and there are no opportunities should be dispelled. Expressing dissatisfaction with the attempt to forcibly establish a narrative that nothing will happen by covering up opportunities, Chairman Dhakal said that such narratives should be broken together by the private sector and the government.
‘If there is political stability, there are many opportunities in Nepal, but if a negative narrative is made that there is nothing and nothing will happen, it will not do anyone any good,’ he said, ‘This will only discourage investment, it is necessary to encourage investment.’
He also expressed confidence that the government will give priority to export-oriented industries through the upcoming budget. On the occasion of the program, the New Year 2082 BS calendar published by the Federation of Nepalese Industrialists, Gandaki Province was also released.
