Political instability marred development: Gachchhedar

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar Thursday said that the country was lagging behind in terms of development because of the prolonged political instability.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of Inspire Nepal 2016, a business forum and expo, DPM Gachchhadar said, “The country is still waiting for political stability take root even after a decade of democratic movement. In such a volatile political environment, development agenda is always pushed back and prosperity becomes a mirage.”

He, however, expressed his hope that with the promulgation of new constitution, the country would soon find political stability. He remarked that there were fewer chances of bigger political conflict in Nepal in the future.  

“Both of our neighbours China and India have achieved prosperity because of political stability,” he stated.

DPM Gachchhadar said the government would include the private sector in the reconstruction process.

“Without private sector and foreign investment in infrastructure and large development projects, Nepal will not be able to compete with other developing nations,” he said.

He said that the government has given high priority to road construction. “The roads are the infrastructure for development. If we want to see our country developed, we need to build roads.”

Narendra Kumar Basnyat, president of Nepal USA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NUSACCI) and immediate past president of Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said that the NUSACCI was working to bring US investment in hydropower development.

John Carwile, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of the USA in Kathmandu, said that the private sector investment was key to development and prosperity of any country.

The Inspire Nepal will run till Saturday. More than 800 entrepreneurs, development and business professionals will participate in 10 networking events and 30 sessions.

The expo has more than 50 exhibitors while 60 speakers will participate, in various deliberations during the event.

Discussions on economy and industry, business development, professional development and alternative thinking will be held during the event.