Private sector complements government: FM Sharma

Kathmandu, Dec. 3

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma said of Friday that the government and private sector are the two legs needed to make steps ahead.

"The government and private sector should forge a mutual partnership in strengthening the national economy. This is the priority of both of us," he said while addressing the 65^th assembly of Morang Merchant Association (MMA) in Biratnagar on Friday.

He stated that behind every political movement there is the issue of economic development therefore their future journey should be for the economic prosperity.

Saying that the government needed the support from the private sector, Minister Sharma urged the business community to come to the government with long-term impact, and pledged that the latter would create investment-friendly environment in each project of national interest.

He suggested the entrepreneurs to come up with a plan to establish a new industrial zone at the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor.

Local business community has demanded with the minister to establish a cross-border industrial zone in 632 bigaha in Amaduwa of Sunsari district. In response, FM Sharma said that the government was ready to expand the road and electricity network to the proposed industrial areas. "If you could present the framework of the proposed project, the government will address it in the upcoming project," he said.

He urged the business community to come up with a clear framework and said that only putting forth the demands and not suggesting the details wouldn't help.

"There is a need to expand the Sunsari-Morang Industrial Corridor and the government will be a partner of the private sector in establishing a new facility," he said. Minister Sharma also pledged to include the suggestions of the entrepreneurs and experts.

Speaking on another context, he said that there was a high possibility of attracting tourists from neighbouring country if mountain flights could be operated from Biratnagar. According to him, the government would create an environment for the same. He also informed that the government was planning to create a new tourism centre in Udayapur district.

Addressing the programme, Chief Minister of Province 1 Rajendra Kumar Rai said that the economy could be strengthened with the support from the private sector. He stated that governments at all levels are ready to forge collaboration with the private sector.

Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini expressed worried that the unnatural growth in the share markets could discourage investments in the productive sector.

Prakash Mundara, Chairman of the MMA, said that Biratnagar was lagging in development and urged the government to support in the expansion of the airport and industrial area.

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 4 December 2021.