Reforms to continue to attract investment, says Prachanda

Kathmandu, Mar. 30: Chairman of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' has assured the investors that the reforms initiated by the government would be continued to make Nepal as an attractive investment destination and ensure the fair rate of return on their investment.

Addressing the concluding session of the Nepal Investment Summit 2019 on Saturday, he emphasised that the policy reforms were intended to create business-friendly environment and to ensure predictability of investment related decision.

"Reform is a dynamic process that demands periodic review and updates as per the changes that would occur internally and externally in a due course of time," he said.

Mentioning that development of infrastructure was Nepal's topmost priority, Prachanda said that the government was ready to facilitate the development of economic zones, industrial parks and special economic zones for creating conducive environment for manufacturing and innovation related industries.

"Connecting neighbouring countries by efficient transport means such as cross-border railways, highways, airways, information ways, and power transmissions, are equally important projects that we need to develop to connect Nepali economy to outside and to make our economy competitive," he said.

He said that the investment decision was not an event, but it was a long-term commitment, therefore, rational investment decision demanded political stability and consistent policy for a reasonable period of time.

"I am informed that the government authorities have assured you to give continuity on their efforts of making investment friendly environment," said Prachanda.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 31 March 2019.