Govt has unique opportunity to lead nation on path of development, says PM

Kathmandu, Apr. 14:

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government was capable of addressing the challenges faced by the country and people. 

“We have a unique opportunity to lead the country on the path of development and economic prosperity,” he said while addressing the nation on the Nepali New Year from the banks of Rara, the largest lake of Nepal, located in Mugu district Saturday morning. 

He said that with the successful completion of the three levels of elections, Nepal had established a new standard in democratic exercise. The country had many challenges, which needed immediate solutions, and people had given the responsibility to the present government to address them, he added. 

Prime Minister Oli termed the previous year as ‘fruitful’ as the political transition had ended, elections held and the country had a democratic, progressive and development-oriented government.

“People are still asking in disbelief if the country would take the course of development and the present government could fulfill their dreams. There is no alternative other than making the country prosperous,” he said. 

According to him, cordial relationship would be developed with the neighbouring countries, friendly nations and international community while keeping national interest at the centre. Relations between the nations are not determined by the size of the country and its population or economy but by the equality of sovereignty. 

Prime Minister Oli assured the people that the government would make legal and structural reforms to fight corruption and stern action would be taken against everyone involved in such activities.  

“Corruption in public procurement or public service could be compensated from those who are responsible, but the erosion in social values, loss of confidence in democratic practices and degradation of organisational characteristics can’t be compensated. Therefore, the corrupt would be punished severely,” he said. 

He said that a new strategy of development would be developed to mobilise natural and human resources, capital and skills. 

“The private sector will be included in the development process as an important part of the economy. The government would create an investment-friendly environment, favourable labour relations and guarantee investment and profit security,” he stated. 

According to him, public-private-partnership (PPP) will be given more priority, and coordination and collaboration would be developed with the neighbouring nations and international community, foreign investors and financial institutions. 

He also vowed to put an end to the legal and procedural complexities in establishing and doing business. 

Productivity of the agriculture sector should be increased four times in the next five years, and its contribution to the national economy should be brought down to 20 to 25 per cent, he said.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 15 April 2018.