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Notice (8): Undefined variable: file [APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60]Code Context// $file = 'http://aabhiyan:QUVLg8Wzs2F7G9N7@nepalstock.com.np/api/indexdata.xml';if(!$xml = simplexml_load_file($file)){$viewFile = '/var/www/html/newbusinessage.com/app/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'articles' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ) ), 'current_user' => null, 'logged_in' => false ) $articles = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2199', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Now Prove Your Salt', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">S</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">econd Constituent Assembly election is over and political parties are in discussion to form a new government. Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> Most of our leaders are ‘populist’ and accountability is what they failed to demonstrate in the past. Most of the public have doubts that they might repeat the same mistake even in the days to come. They prepare manifesto as publicity material for election but fail to implement the commitments made in them after they get into power. </div> <div> </div> <div> Unlike previous elections, political parties in this CA election hav emphasized on economic agenda that have kindled new hopes and aspirations to the private sector. High turnout of votes for parties supporting liberal economy is evident of the people’s distaste for politics of confrontation and conspiracy. Sweeping victory of traditionally moderate political parties that favor economic freedom and civil liberties has provided grounds to private sector to look forward for reforms in national economic policies and state initiatives that will boost country’s economic status. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, of these measures to be taken by political parties should be putting their efforts to provision for complete ‘economic freedom’ in the new constitution. Secondly, they should stick to their commitment of making the country a ‘strike-free’ zone. It is high time for all parties to come together and implement measures that will help in gaining the objective of making Nepal a country with power surplus within few years. They should promote productive sector and bring policies to propel export from Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of lamenting for resource crunch, parties should realize the issue of ‘resource curse’ and should come up with collectively effort to overcome hurdles in resolving the issue. They should work jointly in clearing ambiguities and obstacles in existing policies and programs and introduce relevant and essential policies to develop hydro electricity, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other economic sectors included in their election manifesto. </div> <div> </div> <div> It’s however is not easy task for leaders who speak just to lure voters. For instance, Rameshwar Phuyal of CPN UML had pledged to double senior citizens allowances, if UML would form a government. His remark is representative of some politician’s distributive mindset in the backdrop of declining capital expenditure. </div> <div> </div> <div> Translating promises into action might be tricky to political parties especially when the nation is making its way through transition. Despite such scenario, will power among political party leaders to move ahead in consensus for common national development objectives is a commitment made by all political parties, and it’s high time they stick to it.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should work for the development of the entire nation instead of catering and caring needs of their party and party cadres. They should not introduce distributive budget and avoid nepotism and favoritism. </div> <div> </div> <div> Their failure to do so, will result in the rise of left or right extremism in Nepal, as in the past.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-12-02', 'modified' => '2013-12-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Second Constituent Assembly election is over and political parties are in discussion to form a new government. Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not.', 'sortorder' => '2044', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2154', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Victory Of Free Market Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Early results and trends show parties contesting with ethnic and regional agenda have lost. Political parties having liberal ideologies including centre-right Nepali Congress (NC) and centre-left Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) are heading towards victory. Out of the results declared for 239 of the total 240 seats under the First-Past-the-Post system, the NC has won 105 and UML 91 seats that makes their combined strength 82%. For the proportional representation system votes, UML has secured 28% and NC 26%. This is likely to yield them a very comfortable majority provided they work together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML is a good sign for economic reasons too since both parties are positive toward free market economy. While Nepali Congress is considered promoter of free market economy in Nepal, UML too is more favourable to free market than UCPN (Maoist), though some doubts still linger about UML’s tendency towards communist ideological dogma. </div> <div> </div> <div> Sign of victory of NC and UML has already shown positive impact on the share market. Their victory will further help boost confidence of business community due to their liberal policies. Another good aspect is that UML has in its manifesto vowed not to organize any general strike in the coming days. Hope the party sticks to its commitment.</div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML have other political repercussions too. With apparent signs that NC and UML will emerge as near-equal forces, many people have started interpreting this result as people’s mandate to adopt two-party system. While it is still premature to conclude that the people have favoured two-party system, it can be safely said that people are not in favour extremist forces if NC and UML will be able to handle the vexing issues regional and ethnic inequalities in a pragmatic way.</div> <div> </div> <div> People also rejected the atrocities by CPN-Maoist (popularly known as dash Maoist) and despite the 10-day long general strike called by it, people came forward and cast their vote. In doing so they snatched away the previous mandate given to the UCPN Maoist, and expressed fresh mandate for peace and prosperity. They did not support political parties that frequently created chaos by resorting to violence. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties do not have right terrorize the nation in the name of ‘people’. UCPN (Maoist)’s threat to boycott the new CA shows that they still have to go a long way in proving themselves honest to democracy. Instead of positing their failure on ‘national and international power sources’ it’s time for them to analyze their weaknesses and improve themsemves to face the next election.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-25', 'modified' => '2013-11-26', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.', 'sortorder' => '2003', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2104', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Qatar Labour Issue: A National Shame', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">I</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">t is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> A recent report by The Guardian on the Nepali migrant labour’s inhuman condition in Qatar, created hue and cry in the international arena. The report brought to fore how Qatar has been mistreating Nepali migrant workers by disregarding its commitment to international human and labour laws. The report portrayed how Nepali migrant workers were treated as modern-day slaves by Qatar. Maya Kumari Sharma, the Nepali ambassador to Qatar was right when she termed Qatar as an “open jail” for Nepali labourers. Though she was castigated for that remark, the new revelation has vindicated her. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of condemning mistreatment to Nepali migrant workers in Qatar, Nepal government tried to protect the Qatar government. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government did not even dare to write to Qatar government formally asking it to end inhuman behaviour against Nepali workers. In a sense, the government proved itself to be inefficient, submissive and coward that failed to speak up against injustice faced by its citizens. Even the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that recently set up a fund to help Nepalis who fall in trouble in foreign land, has not uttered a single word in response to this report.</div> <div> </div> <div> Labour exploitation has been considered as modern day human slavery. All nations that import human resources from second countries should respect and abide by international labour laws. Qatar should immediately take actions to translate its commitment to international labour rights into practice and treat Nepali labourers with due respect and provide them working conditions that will enable them to contribute to its development in a dignified manner. </div> <div> </div> <div> Guardian’s report did initiate discussion about Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers in the international arena. International community took up the issue with the Qatari authorities. But unfortunately, Nepal government lagged behind in this. This report should also prompt Nepal to review its policy related to labour export and Nepalis living abroad. Every country with some self-respect deals in a very serious manner when its citizens living abroad face some trouble. Such countries do not shy away from spending a lot of national resources to rescue their citizens when they are in trouble in a foreign land. And they take up the issue seriously to provide justice to those mistreated in the foreign land. </div> <div> </div> <div> Equally important for Nepal is to stop basking on the foreign exchange earning that the migrant Nepali labourers send home. Rather it should reflect why the Nepalis are going abroad for employment. They go abroad because the employment opportunities in Nepal are shrinking, not increasing, thanks to the anarchy that is ruling the country for about two decades. Due to this lawlessness, investment is not increasing in Nepal and without increased investment there will be no additional employment opportunities created. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should also think of the situation when there will be mass return of the Nepali migrant workers fed up with the mistreatment in the foreign land or deported by the countries where they are working now. Such deportation has already started from countries like Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal authorities should bear in mind that the social unrest in Nepal is muted till now because most of the able-bodied unemployed youth go out of the country in search of jobs. When such migrants return in mass, and find that they cannot get job here, the country will get into another round of similar (or even bigger scale) bloodbath that it saw just a decade ago.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-11', 'modified' => '2013-11-11', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar.', 'sortorder' => '1949', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2033', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'NRNA Is Not Forum For Politics', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise. </div> <div> </div> <div> Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), knowingly or unknowingly, engaged in politics during its recently held NRN International Convention and Sixth Global Conference which took place in Kathmandu from October 19 to 22. As a result, the NRNA was divided according to the wish of political parties which will have long-term adverse impact on the entire organization.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA should not be divided on the basis of political affiliation and ideology. Their roadmap should be clear: prosperity of the country. If they want to engage in politics, they should not hesitate to enter politics directly instead of taking other NRNs for a ride to fulfill their political desire . </div> <div> </div> <div> If NRNA is sincere in its effort to develop the country and take it to the next level of development, members of the organization should pledge for the actions which they can deliver and abstain from making promises like politicians.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA can contribute to the country’s prosperity in positive manner in several ways: one, it can spread positive message about the country abroad; second, it can convince investors from the country where they are residing to invest in Nepal; third, transfer expertise and skills they acquire abroad; and fourth, promote tourism activities by visiting Nepal frequently.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRN, following the long established trend, has also started to blame the government as the sole causes of all the problems in the country. Instead of being involved in blame game, NRNs should engage themselves in productive work. </div> <div> </div> <div> Only thing the government can provide NRN is stable policy and environment conducive for investment. NRNs should not expect much from the government rather it should provide constructive suggestions and assistance in government’s development initiatives. </div> <div> </div> <div> Why do people respect NRNs? The answer is clear— they are expected to be more loyal to the country when compared to other foreign investors. So, they have added responsibilities towards the country like that of Non Resident Indians in India. They have contributed to Indian economy when the economic situation was adverse and foreign investors had been shying away to invest there. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, in spite of blaming the country’s economic situation, NRNs should float the option of best investment areas in the existing situation. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, we should not expect much from NRNs too. Most of the first generation NRNs has been residing abroad at present and they themselves are struggling to get established. Secondly, they should not come here and suffer loss and it is our duty to assure them the safety of their investment. Together we can lead the country on the road to prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-28', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise.', 'sortorder' => '1883', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1982', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Do Not Make The Country A Testing Ground', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the fever of the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election has gone up, political parties are busy drafting and finalizing their election manifestos. Political parties, however, seem to be dubious in identifying what the new structure of the Nepali state should be. </div> <div> </div> <div> The common fear existing in the country is that political parties may push the country into further uncertainty in the name of adopting ‘our own model’ of federalism and democracy. There are lots of controversies among political parties, and within a single political party too, related to state restructuring. Political parties, which are supposed to raise class issue, have been raising ethnic agenda for the sake of their own benefit. On the other hand, the so-called democratic forces have been visionless and indecisive on various crucial issues including appropriate model to run the country. </div> <div> </div> <div> It is well-known fact that the first Constituent Assembly got dissolved without delivering a statute four years after the election. And it was because of lack of clarity among political parties whose last-hour consultations ended without an agreement on model of federalism. </div> <div> </div> <div> While ethnic-based federal units were seen by some as the only way to address the identity of marginalised communities, there were also fears that given Nepal’s complex ethnic, racial, linguistic and caste mosaic this would lead to fragmentation and conflict.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are differences among political forces in many crucial issues including federalism, number of province, model of the government, i.e., presidential vs parliamentarian. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should not try to make the country a testing ground. It would be better to adopt any of established models of democracy instead of creating catchy phrases and ambiguous words in the name of ‘originality’.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political system may vary country to country. For instance, there are various political systems in various countries including US Presidential system, UK – Westminster parliamentary, German semi-parliamentary and French hybrid.</div> <div> </div> <div> But political parties in Nepal have been trying to mix up various practices from different political system. Mixing British Westminster parliamentary system with US presidential system or French model of political system may create confusion when it comes time to implement the model in practice. </div> <div> </div> <div> So, political parties should dare to speak out openly that adopting already tested political system will be more suitable in the country rather than opting for new test. The differences should be harnessed because all political parties, in principle, want prosperity and development of the country. All we need is sincere effort and genuine commitment from political parties. The bottom-line should be democracy and liberal economy; rest of the issues can be discussed and amended in the process of practicing democracy.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-21', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly.', 'sortorder' => '1834', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1935', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Happy Dashain', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.</div> <div> </div> <div> The only difference this time around might be for the political parties who will, no doubt, be campaigning even during the festival. Dashain is a golden chance for the candidates contesting in the upcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election to connect directly with voters and convience them into their ideology and agenda by giving coveted gifts in return. Equally, people can take advantage of their advances by placing their queries and judging the efficiency of the candidates.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politics aside, there are many good aspects of Dashain as well as some bad practices. It is really difficult to celebrate Dashain for low-income families. Increasing inflation and lack of employment opportunities have hit the middle class population of the country. The culture of imitating others in celebrating Dashain will compel lower-income families to take loans. May this season bring some respite to all families living in acute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> Better off citizens should be aware of the social pressures unconsciously exerted upon others and be careful to celebrate responsibly. Excessive use of alcohol may create tension among neighbours and it should be avoided. People should also be alert regarding adulteration in food products and the possible compromises in hygiene during this period of high demand in traditional foods. The security agencies and government’s quality control mechanisms also should be careful to safeguard the people’s right to consume healthy food. Dashain being a festival that symbolises the victory of truth over evil, may this season bring conscience in business practices and the government’s responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> Dashain also acts as a social glue in our increasingly busy society. People observe the tika receiving ceremony as an opportunity to resume broken relations with their relatives and friends. The festival gives immense opportunity for relatives living abroad to come together as well. May this Dashain bring prosperity and joy to you and your family. Happy Dashain to all our readers!</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.', 'sortorder' => '1793', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1886', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Businessmen In Politics: A Good Mix?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter. </div> <div> </div> <div> These questions will be raised during the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election in Nepal where many businessmen have expressed their interest to contest from different political parties. Further, some businessmen and organizations have already been in controversies due to their alleged involvement to lobby for particular candidates in the CA election.</div> <div> </div> <div> Generally, the issues among the business community should be common: environment for honest and genuine business, provision of a level playing field and assurance of private property, along with others.</div> <div> </div> <div> But in our context, it does not seem that businessmen want to enter politics to foster an environment conducive for business.</div> <div> </div> <div> There is a saying: honesty is the best policy. Businessmen should be honest. The current horserace to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list does not show the honesty of businessmen.</div> <div> </div> <div> Businessmen should dare to forge their own political parties if they want to be involved in politics or should announce openly that they will leave business to enter politics. The example of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can be appropriate here.</div> <div> </div> <div> The greed of businessmen to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list has tarnished the reputation of the business community. On the one hand, many accuse businessmen of bribing politicians to secure tickets. On the other, their open affiliation to political parties raises the question of misuse of power and power influence of power in their business activities.</div> <div> </div> <div> Preferably, businessmen should not enter politics when the stand of the business community is divided on major economic issues. How can a businessperson take an independent stand after his/her affiliation to a particular political party? These are some issues that need to be clarified by those willing to contest in the election.</div> <div> </div> <div> If businessmen want to be engaged in philanthropy, there are numerous ways to do so. Blatant use of money to get a ticket in the election and to be a member of the CA or parliament will do nothing more than tarnish the image of the private sector and pull the entire business community into controversy.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the end, businessmen should be clear that you can’t win elections with money alone. If that were true, all the big industrialists throughout the world would have been ruling their countries already.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter.', 'sortorder' => '1747', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1851', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> </p> <p> Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p> <p> The brightest aspect in Nepal’s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p> <p> We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world’s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p> <p> Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers’ tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p> <p> The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 – a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism & Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country’s tourism potential.</p> <p> Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal’s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector. As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-23', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'Edits & Opinions cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Edits & Opinions nepal, cover story headlines from nepal, Edits & Opinions current and latest cover story news from nepal, Edits & Opinions economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events, ongoing', 'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.', 'sortorder' => '1712', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1816', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'End Strike To Stimulate Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.</div> <div> </div> <div> The general public and the entrepreneurs feel disappointed over the major political parties who have failed to resolve the conflict through mutual talks. Unfortunately, there is no respite at sight. With the approaching Constituent Assembly election in Nepal, it is for sure that disgruntled parties will call frequent strikes to exert pressure on the government to fulfill their demands.</div> <div> </div> <div> For instance, the country witnessed two general strikes last week clearly hinting that the business fraternity will suffer more if there is not political consensus against bandh. Though there are laws that empower the local authorities to punish those who go for organised bandhs, the authorities concerned are not invoking these laws, as most of the bandhs are called for political reasons.</div> <div> </div> <div> Almost all walks of life are victimized by general strikes. Besides, business community, the daily wage earners and small scale entrepreneurs are the major victims of such strikes. The market witnesses price hike to more than triple due to short supply of vegetables, and food grains.</div> <div> </div> <div> It undermines confidence in the country’s economy, and if we undermine confidence, we are destabilising investment. It is hitting our economy and yet this has not deterred the organizations or groups of people seeking ‘justice’ from going ahead with bandh or blockade.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a democratic country, every citizen may have the rights to protest against injustices meted out to them. But at the same time it should be recognized that ‘forced bandh’ violates human rights as well.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the economic realm, no more incitement to violence should be tolerated if we want prosperity in the country. The entrepreneurs have long been appealing the political parties to resolve the issue through dialogue as soon as possible. Nepal should be a bandh free zone, if we want double digit growth. Investors will shy away if there is frequent bandh in the country. There is an urgency to rethink the existing culture of bandh by the political parties.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-16', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.', 'sortorder' => '1677', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1775', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Nepal Leadership Summit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.</div> <div> </div> <div> Industrial growth has been hanging near zero percent, the investment rate has declined, inflation is high, industrial growth is badly affected due to the energy crisis, causing companies to struggle on how to run businesses without a reliable source of electricity. </div> <div> </div> <div> In the aforementioned situation, collective effort is a must to achieve the double digit growth. New Business Age group and Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BiCCI) tried to find out a common solution for the existing economic slowdown.</div> <div> </div> <div> The NBA group and BiCCI jointly organized Nepal Leadership Summit: Roadmap of Economic Revolution: Vision 2080 BS in Nepal’s renowned industrial city Birgunj last week.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s five former Prime Minister since 1990 expressed their views on Nepal’s economic development. They also signed a 12-point Birgunj declaration showing their commitment to the economic revolution in Nepal giving private sector a leading role. The summit was historic in many respects. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, the summit was successful to bring together Nepal’s five former Prime Ministers who represent various political parties in a platform to discuss important economic issues. Second, it sought former PMs visions and agendas to address country’s existing adverse economic issues ranging from labour unrest to power deficit. Third, the summit also tried to figure out differences among politicians and make them convinced for the economic prosperity of the country. Last but not the least, politicians signed a 12-point pact showing their commitment to the long term economic development of the country which will be remembered as the Birgunj Declaration.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a fact that commitment is not enough. Leaders should be ready to translate their commitment into action. There is still a long struggle ahead when it comes to engaging the government to revive the Nepali economy. The country has yet to address economic concerns and map out a strategy with business community and international support to address country’s economic problems.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a positive sign to the country’s economic prosperity, all leaders pledged not to politicize economic agenda. They also stressed that Nepal is in a dire need of economic revolution after various political changes.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regardless of their political ideology, all leaders agreed to let private sector lead the country’s development and acknowledged the government’s role as catalyst. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should focus on turning the optimism about the country’s future into real action. The mood should be changed from thinking of Nepal as a poor country to as a country that holds hope.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a difficult task to implement the 12-point Birgunj Declaration but not impossible. One thing is for sure: ‘United we stand: divided we fall’. The need of the hour is sincere commitment from all political parties to drive the country into prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-09', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.', 'sortorder' => '1636', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1735', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Put Economy On Priority', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Sheer negligence towards the depreciation of currency would have been a major political issue, if Nepal had been a developed country, with high financial literacy. In Nepal, as evidences show, people do not think that politicians can address economic issues. On the other hand, even politicians do not take economic issues as their responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> But the country cannot go ahead with such ignorant politicians who do not care about the welfare of the country and its people. They should take economic issues seriously and put it in their election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> As election fever is gripping across the country, private sector has started parlays with political parties to apprise them convinced on economic issues. It is very necessary to produce a clear consensus plan for averting a looming economic crisis and it is not possible without political consensus.</div> <div> </div> <div> Fundamentally, the basic job of Constituent Assembly is to promulgate new constitution. Economic issues should not be ignored even in the new constitution. A guarantee of economic freedom should be clearly spell out the constitution and for that the politicians should start homework before the election. Importantly, it should be included in the election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> In an ideal situation, we can make this country as beautiful as Switzerland. But dreaming something is not enough to achieve it. We have to take initiative to fulfill our dreams. The country cannot take the path of prosperity without clear economic roadmap and commitment from political sector. The economy can go ahead on its own pace if it is already on track. For instance, a political turmoil in Italy nominally affects the economic situation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politicians should listen to private sector’s voice and give a clear economic roadmap so that they will be able to fulfill our collective dream of becoming rich and prosperous country. Election is not all about distributing illusion and giving catchy phrases to the people, rather it is the commitment towards the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Now leaders should be clear enough on the key economic issues such as unemployment, labour unrest, hydropower, industrial growth, tourism etc. Private sector’s effort to create pressure for a better economy should be taken as a commendable move.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-02', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.', 'sortorder' => '1596', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1697', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Economic Prosperity: Our Roadmap Ahead', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the last decade, high unemployment and lack of entrepreneurial opportunities posed serious challenges to Nepal’s transition. On the other hand, the country faced growing unresolved grievances caused by issues such as misappropriation of private property, rampant corruption and widening inequality.</div> <div> </div> <div> Yet, there is a silver lining. Despite a decade-long political turmoil and armed conflict, the country’s economy was successful enough to maintain its basic economic indicators in a positive direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> Many believe that Nepal can achieve prosperity if elections are held on time as political parties will agree on a common economic agenda to take the country into a prosperous future.</div> <div> </div> <div> Can economic prosperity be achieved in a country that reels under perennial problems? We think it can. Incredible natural resources have favoured the country for development. Now it is our turn to do a favour to our collective dream of becoming rich, prosperous and happy. We can achieve economic prosperity only if we put in collective effort. </div> <div> </div> <div> The desired need for economic growth must be a sincere commitment from all walks of life. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government is heading towards a dream of achieving the status of ‘developing country’ by 2022 through a three-year plan. Many suspect whether the Nepali economy can begin the journey of prosperity in the given circumstances. The experience of the last decade, however, shows that the country can achieve things if the CA election is held on time and if political parties are united on a common economic agenda.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite political instability, Nepal has witnessed noticeable growth in all sectors during the last decade. In recent years, many banks and money transfer businesses have grown. Nepal was one of the highest receivers of remittance on the basis of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011.</div> <div> </div> <div> Be it the health and education sector or the manufacturing and industrial sector, the country has succeeded to achieve remarkable progress despite political instability.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are rays of hope also in the hydropower sector. Currently a power deficit country, the country will be in power surplus by 2018 if all ongoing projects are completed within the stipulated time. </div> <div> </div> <div> Most important of all for the desired level of growth is the leading role of the private sector in investment, production and distribution of all goods and services. Of course, state support is a need as is security and ground for fair-play. Guided by this philosophy, New Business Age co-organised a conclave on the growth debate in Kathmandu on 24th August, with the opportunity to recognise the contribution of the business sector to growth. This recognition came in the form of ten categories of business awards. </div> <div> </div> <div> For the sustained prosperity of the nation, we need to start modest and all big dreams will fall in line with the accomplishment of initial ones. If we achieve 7 per cent growth first, then a double-digit figure can soon follow. As in an essay by noted litterateur Laxmi Prasad Devkota entitled ‘Is Nepal Insignificant?’ where he eloquently writes about the prospects of Nepal, this country has tremendous potential for economic growth. But all we need to boost the country’s economy are commitment from the political leadership, positive thinking of the general public and sincere and genuine effort from the private sector.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-26', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.', 'sortorder' => '1558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1649', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'For Regulated Poultry Farming', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.</div> <div> </div> <div> Running a poultry farm is not as easy an affair as we think. The ongoing bird-flu epidemic proves that. So, it is the poultry farmers association drafts a regulation and asks the government to promugalte it.government brought a separate policy to regulate poultry farming in Nepal. Poultry farming as of now is one of the most unscientific and unmanaged businesses in Nepal. Running farms without health and environmental regulations has been causing pollution to the detriment on public health and environment. Well managed farms have been avoiding the bird-flu problem.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regulating poultry farms is practiced all over the world. The Haryana state government in India, for instance, issued in June 2013a strict guideline for poultry farmers asking them to adopt modern sanitary methods to prevent contamination caused by solid, liquid and air pollution. The state government made it mandatory for poultry farms to make provisions of vegetative screens or barriers to slow airflow and/or redirect odour from the poultry away from human receptors.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal also needs a separate regulatory mechanism to ensure the safety of its citizens as unregulated poultry farms have affected public health in the country. Farms in the middle of residential areas and poultry sheds that stand by public roads, water streams and residential areas are common in the country. It is the government’s obligation of the poultry farmers and the government to protect the public from unwarranted health hazards due to unmanaged and unsystematic farms located in inappropriate places. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should promote large scale poultry farms in specific area in order to control disease like bird flu.introducing poultry insurance and encouraging farmers to get their farms insecured will be one solution. With insurance policy against bird flu or other hazards, the farmers will have no incentive to smuggle diseased birds to the market.</div> <div> </div> <div> Currently, the government has been providing a small amount of cash to farmers for culling bird flu-infected chicken. It would be a far better idea to create a separate fund to finance such insurance cost than providing compensation on an individual basis. </div> <div> </div> <div> The existing havoc of bird flu is not a one-time scenario. The country may face such problems in the future too. Therefore, government should regulate in the business in manner that will address health and environment safety in poultry farms would go a long way in further modernizing this business.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-19', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.', 'sortorder' => '1510', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1604', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Need To Solve PDA Issues', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, foreign investors want sovereign guarantee from the government due to bad financials of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) which is suffering from the problem of inefficiency and in adequate resource to convince big investors. Sovereign guarantee is a guarantee by the Government that all obligations will be fulfilled if the primary obliger goes into default. NEA is responsible to fulfill all the obligations at present but technically bankrupt NEA cannot convince any investors at present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors shy away from investing in Nepal until the country introduces a provision that can keep investors in confidence and sovereign guarantee is such a provision.</div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, the government has to take appropriate measures in several other issues to attract more investment in hydro sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should convince foreign investors that they will be protected against foreign exchange risks when repatriating their earnings. It should also clarify its stand on signing Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in convertible currency. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors often blame the government for not facilitating in foreign currency exchange process. The process to get permission to repatriate dividend and sales proceeds takes long time, according to investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> Such provision compels investors to face hassles and feel discouraged to invest in the concerned sector. The government has to create comfortable environment to invest in hydro sector without any delay. </div> <div> </div> <div> Another bone of contention between the government and private sector regarding PDA issues is termination payment. Investors say there is no clear provision for termination payment which has created a kind of fear among investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> In case of termination, investors need to be assured that they do not lose money and receive adequate compensation. The government should make payment in the eventuality of termination events. There should be provision of Termination Payment in PDA, so that investors are not in loss, in case they have to terminate the investment due to events beyond their control. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s hydro sector can take a big leap forward only when the government is ready to revise all troublesome legal provision on these and other matters.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-12', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard.', 'sortorder' => '1465', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1557', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Transparency In Political Finance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections. The party has announced its commitment also to accept donation through cheque. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> The announcement may have provided relief to business community. It is a common practice around the world that political parties collect funds from donation to build and sustain the organisation, to train party cadres and fight elections. Equally important fact is that the sources of such funding undeniably influence the behaviour of the funded party if it comes to power. So this issue impacts directly on democratic rights. </div> <div> </div> <div> Principally, the major share of funding should be from voluntary contribution but that is not happening in Nepal. Almost all political parties tend to amass cash by force. Forceful donation drive by political parties has become common phenomenon and has terrorized the entire business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The recent announcement of Nepali Congress has provided strong ground to business community to bring donation issue in public domain. Other political parties should be ready to do the same. As public political institutions, political parties should be proactive to disclose their information to public and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, all political parties should be ready for the public audit of their income and expenditure since transparency is considered the hallmark of democracy. Political parties should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations. </div> <div> </div> <div> Against this backdrop, it is high time to address the demand for public disclosure of political finances because: 1) it helps prevent financial abuse during election, and 2) it is necessary to promote healthy political competition. </div> <div> </div> <div> We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. The US agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented, and discloses the same to the public and the media. Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same. </div> <div> </div> <div> Transparency in donation also helps boost morale of country’s business community that has faced many hassles to adjust their account because they were forced to provide donation in such a way that they could not keep any record of such donation. Political parties should ensure that election is not an event to terrorize business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal needs to set up a mechanism that can make for accountability on the sources and utilisation of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to promise the much-needed change since the country is ready to go for new CA election.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-05', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections.', 'sortorder' => '1418', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> Most of our leaders are ‘populist’ and accountability is what they failed to demonstrate in the past. Most of the public have doubts that they might repeat the same mistake even in the days to come. They prepare manifesto as publicity material for election but fail to implement the commitments made in them after they get into power. </div> <div> </div> <div> Unlike previous elections, political parties in this CA election hav emphasized on economic agenda that have kindled new hopes and aspirations to the private sector. High turnout of votes for parties supporting liberal economy is evident of the people’s distaste for politics of confrontation and conspiracy. Sweeping victory of traditionally moderate political parties that favor economic freedom and civil liberties has provided grounds to private sector to look forward for reforms in national economic policies and state initiatives that will boost country’s economic status. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, of these measures to be taken by political parties should be putting their efforts to provision for complete ‘economic freedom’ in the new constitution. Secondly, they should stick to their commitment of making the country a ‘strike-free’ zone. It is high time for all parties to come together and implement measures that will help in gaining the objective of making Nepal a country with power surplus within few years. They should promote productive sector and bring policies to propel export from Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of lamenting for resource crunch, parties should realize the issue of ‘resource curse’ and should come up with collectively effort to overcome hurdles in resolving the issue. They should work jointly in clearing ambiguities and obstacles in existing policies and programs and introduce relevant and essential policies to develop hydro electricity, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other economic sectors included in their election manifesto. </div> <div> </div> <div> It’s however is not easy task for leaders who speak just to lure voters. For instance, Rameshwar Phuyal of CPN UML had pledged to double senior citizens allowances, if UML would form a government. His remark is representative of some politician’s distributive mindset in the backdrop of declining capital expenditure. </div> <div> </div> <div> Translating promises into action might be tricky to political parties especially when the nation is making its way through transition. Despite such scenario, will power among political party leaders to move ahead in consensus for common national development objectives is a commitment made by all political parties, and it’s high time they stick to it.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should work for the development of the entire nation instead of catering and caring needs of their party and party cadres. They should not introduce distributive budget and avoid nepotism and favoritism. </div> <div> </div> <div> Their failure to do so, will result in the rise of left or right extremism in Nepal, as in the past.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-12-02', 'modified' => '2013-12-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Second Constituent Assembly election is over and political parties are in discussion to form a new government. Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not.', 'sortorder' => '2044', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2154', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Victory Of Free Market Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Early results and trends show parties contesting with ethnic and regional agenda have lost. Political parties having liberal ideologies including centre-right Nepali Congress (NC) and centre-left Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) are heading towards victory. Out of the results declared for 239 of the total 240 seats under the First-Past-the-Post system, the NC has won 105 and UML 91 seats that makes their combined strength 82%. For the proportional representation system votes, UML has secured 28% and NC 26%. This is likely to yield them a very comfortable majority provided they work together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML is a good sign for economic reasons too since both parties are positive toward free market economy. While Nepali Congress is considered promoter of free market economy in Nepal, UML too is more favourable to free market than UCPN (Maoist), though some doubts still linger about UML’s tendency towards communist ideological dogma. </div> <div> </div> <div> Sign of victory of NC and UML has already shown positive impact on the share market. Their victory will further help boost confidence of business community due to their liberal policies. Another good aspect is that UML has in its manifesto vowed not to organize any general strike in the coming days. Hope the party sticks to its commitment.</div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML have other political repercussions too. With apparent signs that NC and UML will emerge as near-equal forces, many people have started interpreting this result as people’s mandate to adopt two-party system. While it is still premature to conclude that the people have favoured two-party system, it can be safely said that people are not in favour extremist forces if NC and UML will be able to handle the vexing issues regional and ethnic inequalities in a pragmatic way.</div> <div> </div> <div> People also rejected the atrocities by CPN-Maoist (popularly known as dash Maoist) and despite the 10-day long general strike called by it, people came forward and cast their vote. In doing so they snatched away the previous mandate given to the UCPN Maoist, and expressed fresh mandate for peace and prosperity. They did not support political parties that frequently created chaos by resorting to violence. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties do not have right terrorize the nation in the name of ‘people’. UCPN (Maoist)’s threat to boycott the new CA shows that they still have to go a long way in proving themselves honest to democracy. Instead of positing their failure on ‘national and international power sources’ it’s time for them to analyze their weaknesses and improve themsemves to face the next election.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-25', 'modified' => '2013-11-26', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.', 'sortorder' => '2003', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2104', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Qatar Labour Issue: A National Shame', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">I</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">t is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> A recent report by The Guardian on the Nepali migrant labour’s inhuman condition in Qatar, created hue and cry in the international arena. The report brought to fore how Qatar has been mistreating Nepali migrant workers by disregarding its commitment to international human and labour laws. The report portrayed how Nepali migrant workers were treated as modern-day slaves by Qatar. Maya Kumari Sharma, the Nepali ambassador to Qatar was right when she termed Qatar as an “open jail” for Nepali labourers. Though she was castigated for that remark, the new revelation has vindicated her. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of condemning mistreatment to Nepali migrant workers in Qatar, Nepal government tried to protect the Qatar government. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government did not even dare to write to Qatar government formally asking it to end inhuman behaviour against Nepali workers. In a sense, the government proved itself to be inefficient, submissive and coward that failed to speak up against injustice faced by its citizens. Even the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that recently set up a fund to help Nepalis who fall in trouble in foreign land, has not uttered a single word in response to this report.</div> <div> </div> <div> Labour exploitation has been considered as modern day human slavery. All nations that import human resources from second countries should respect and abide by international labour laws. Qatar should immediately take actions to translate its commitment to international labour rights into practice and treat Nepali labourers with due respect and provide them working conditions that will enable them to contribute to its development in a dignified manner. </div> <div> </div> <div> Guardian’s report did initiate discussion about Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers in the international arena. International community took up the issue with the Qatari authorities. But unfortunately, Nepal government lagged behind in this. This report should also prompt Nepal to review its policy related to labour export and Nepalis living abroad. Every country with some self-respect deals in a very serious manner when its citizens living abroad face some trouble. Such countries do not shy away from spending a lot of national resources to rescue their citizens when they are in trouble in a foreign land. And they take up the issue seriously to provide justice to those mistreated in the foreign land. </div> <div> </div> <div> Equally important for Nepal is to stop basking on the foreign exchange earning that the migrant Nepali labourers send home. Rather it should reflect why the Nepalis are going abroad for employment. They go abroad because the employment opportunities in Nepal are shrinking, not increasing, thanks to the anarchy that is ruling the country for about two decades. Due to this lawlessness, investment is not increasing in Nepal and without increased investment there will be no additional employment opportunities created. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should also think of the situation when there will be mass return of the Nepali migrant workers fed up with the mistreatment in the foreign land or deported by the countries where they are working now. Such deportation has already started from countries like Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal authorities should bear in mind that the social unrest in Nepal is muted till now because most of the able-bodied unemployed youth go out of the country in search of jobs. When such migrants return in mass, and find that they cannot get job here, the country will get into another round of similar (or even bigger scale) bloodbath that it saw just a decade ago.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-11', 'modified' => '2013-11-11', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar.', 'sortorder' => '1949', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2033', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'NRNA Is Not Forum For Politics', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise. </div> <div> </div> <div> Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), knowingly or unknowingly, engaged in politics during its recently held NRN International Convention and Sixth Global Conference which took place in Kathmandu from October 19 to 22. As a result, the NRNA was divided according to the wish of political parties which will have long-term adverse impact on the entire organization.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA should not be divided on the basis of political affiliation and ideology. Their roadmap should be clear: prosperity of the country. If they want to engage in politics, they should not hesitate to enter politics directly instead of taking other NRNs for a ride to fulfill their political desire . </div> <div> </div> <div> If NRNA is sincere in its effort to develop the country and take it to the next level of development, members of the organization should pledge for the actions which they can deliver and abstain from making promises like politicians.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA can contribute to the country’s prosperity in positive manner in several ways: one, it can spread positive message about the country abroad; second, it can convince investors from the country where they are residing to invest in Nepal; third, transfer expertise and skills they acquire abroad; and fourth, promote tourism activities by visiting Nepal frequently.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRN, following the long established trend, has also started to blame the government as the sole causes of all the problems in the country. Instead of being involved in blame game, NRNs should engage themselves in productive work. </div> <div> </div> <div> Only thing the government can provide NRN is stable policy and environment conducive for investment. NRNs should not expect much from the government rather it should provide constructive suggestions and assistance in government’s development initiatives. </div> <div> </div> <div> Why do people respect NRNs? The answer is clear— they are expected to be more loyal to the country when compared to other foreign investors. So, they have added responsibilities towards the country like that of Non Resident Indians in India. They have contributed to Indian economy when the economic situation was adverse and foreign investors had been shying away to invest there. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, in spite of blaming the country’s economic situation, NRNs should float the option of best investment areas in the existing situation. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, we should not expect much from NRNs too. Most of the first generation NRNs has been residing abroad at present and they themselves are struggling to get established. Secondly, they should not come here and suffer loss and it is our duty to assure them the safety of their investment. Together we can lead the country on the road to prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-28', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise.', 'sortorder' => '1883', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1982', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Do Not Make The Country A Testing Ground', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the fever of the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election has gone up, political parties are busy drafting and finalizing their election manifestos. Political parties, however, seem to be dubious in identifying what the new structure of the Nepali state should be. </div> <div> </div> <div> The common fear existing in the country is that political parties may push the country into further uncertainty in the name of adopting ‘our own model’ of federalism and democracy. There are lots of controversies among political parties, and within a single political party too, related to state restructuring. Political parties, which are supposed to raise class issue, have been raising ethnic agenda for the sake of their own benefit. On the other hand, the so-called democratic forces have been visionless and indecisive on various crucial issues including appropriate model to run the country. </div> <div> </div> <div> It is well-known fact that the first Constituent Assembly got dissolved without delivering a statute four years after the election. And it was because of lack of clarity among political parties whose last-hour consultations ended without an agreement on model of federalism. </div> <div> </div> <div> While ethnic-based federal units were seen by some as the only way to address the identity of marginalised communities, there were also fears that given Nepal’s complex ethnic, racial, linguistic and caste mosaic this would lead to fragmentation and conflict.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are differences among political forces in many crucial issues including federalism, number of province, model of the government, i.e., presidential vs parliamentarian. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should not try to make the country a testing ground. It would be better to adopt any of established models of democracy instead of creating catchy phrases and ambiguous words in the name of ‘originality’.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political system may vary country to country. For instance, there are various political systems in various countries including US Presidential system, UK – Westminster parliamentary, German semi-parliamentary and French hybrid.</div> <div> </div> <div> But political parties in Nepal have been trying to mix up various practices from different political system. Mixing British Westminster parliamentary system with US presidential system or French model of political system may create confusion when it comes time to implement the model in practice. </div> <div> </div> <div> So, political parties should dare to speak out openly that adopting already tested political system will be more suitable in the country rather than opting for new test. The differences should be harnessed because all political parties, in principle, want prosperity and development of the country. All we need is sincere effort and genuine commitment from political parties. The bottom-line should be democracy and liberal economy; rest of the issues can be discussed and amended in the process of practicing democracy.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-21', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly.', 'sortorder' => '1834', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1935', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Happy Dashain', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.</div> <div> </div> <div> The only difference this time around might be for the political parties who will, no doubt, be campaigning even during the festival. Dashain is a golden chance for the candidates contesting in the upcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election to connect directly with voters and convience them into their ideology and agenda by giving coveted gifts in return. Equally, people can take advantage of their advances by placing their queries and judging the efficiency of the candidates.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politics aside, there are many good aspects of Dashain as well as some bad practices. It is really difficult to celebrate Dashain for low-income families. Increasing inflation and lack of employment opportunities have hit the middle class population of the country. The culture of imitating others in celebrating Dashain will compel lower-income families to take loans. May this season bring some respite to all families living in acute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> Better off citizens should be aware of the social pressures unconsciously exerted upon others and be careful to celebrate responsibly. Excessive use of alcohol may create tension among neighbours and it should be avoided. People should also be alert regarding adulteration in food products and the possible compromises in hygiene during this period of high demand in traditional foods. The security agencies and government’s quality control mechanisms also should be careful to safeguard the people’s right to consume healthy food. Dashain being a festival that symbolises the victory of truth over evil, may this season bring conscience in business practices and the government’s responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> Dashain also acts as a social glue in our increasingly busy society. People observe the tika receiving ceremony as an opportunity to resume broken relations with their relatives and friends. The festival gives immense opportunity for relatives living abroad to come together as well. May this Dashain bring prosperity and joy to you and your family. Happy Dashain to all our readers!</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.', 'sortorder' => '1793', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1886', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Businessmen In Politics: A Good Mix?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter. </div> <div> </div> <div> These questions will be raised during the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election in Nepal where many businessmen have expressed their interest to contest from different political parties. Further, some businessmen and organizations have already been in controversies due to their alleged involvement to lobby for particular candidates in the CA election.</div> <div> </div> <div> Generally, the issues among the business community should be common: environment for honest and genuine business, provision of a level playing field and assurance of private property, along with others.</div> <div> </div> <div> But in our context, it does not seem that businessmen want to enter politics to foster an environment conducive for business.</div> <div> </div> <div> There is a saying: honesty is the best policy. Businessmen should be honest. The current horserace to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list does not show the honesty of businessmen.</div> <div> </div> <div> Businessmen should dare to forge their own political parties if they want to be involved in politics or should announce openly that they will leave business to enter politics. The example of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can be appropriate here.</div> <div> </div> <div> The greed of businessmen to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list has tarnished the reputation of the business community. On the one hand, many accuse businessmen of bribing politicians to secure tickets. On the other, their open affiliation to political parties raises the question of misuse of power and power influence of power in their business activities.</div> <div> </div> <div> Preferably, businessmen should not enter politics when the stand of the business community is divided on major economic issues. How can a businessperson take an independent stand after his/her affiliation to a particular political party? These are some issues that need to be clarified by those willing to contest in the election.</div> <div> </div> <div> If businessmen want to be engaged in philanthropy, there are numerous ways to do so. Blatant use of money to get a ticket in the election and to be a member of the CA or parliament will do nothing more than tarnish the image of the private sector and pull the entire business community into controversy.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the end, businessmen should be clear that you can’t win elections with money alone. If that were true, all the big industrialists throughout the world would have been ruling their countries already.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter.', 'sortorder' => '1747', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1851', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> </p> <p> Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p> <p> The brightest aspect in Nepal’s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p> <p> We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world’s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p> <p> Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers’ tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p> <p> The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 – a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism & Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country’s tourism potential.</p> <p> Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal’s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector. As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-23', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'Edits & Opinions cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Edits & Opinions nepal, cover story headlines from nepal, Edits & Opinions current and latest cover story news from nepal, Edits & Opinions economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events, ongoing', 'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.', 'sortorder' => '1712', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1816', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'End Strike To Stimulate Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.</div> <div> </div> <div> The general public and the entrepreneurs feel disappointed over the major political parties who have failed to resolve the conflict through mutual talks. Unfortunately, there is no respite at sight. With the approaching Constituent Assembly election in Nepal, it is for sure that disgruntled parties will call frequent strikes to exert pressure on the government to fulfill their demands.</div> <div> </div> <div> For instance, the country witnessed two general strikes last week clearly hinting that the business fraternity will suffer more if there is not political consensus against bandh. Though there are laws that empower the local authorities to punish those who go for organised bandhs, the authorities concerned are not invoking these laws, as most of the bandhs are called for political reasons.</div> <div> </div> <div> Almost all walks of life are victimized by general strikes. Besides, business community, the daily wage earners and small scale entrepreneurs are the major victims of such strikes. The market witnesses price hike to more than triple due to short supply of vegetables, and food grains.</div> <div> </div> <div> It undermines confidence in the country’s economy, and if we undermine confidence, we are destabilising investment. It is hitting our economy and yet this has not deterred the organizations or groups of people seeking ‘justice’ from going ahead with bandh or blockade.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a democratic country, every citizen may have the rights to protest against injustices meted out to them. But at the same time it should be recognized that ‘forced bandh’ violates human rights as well.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the economic realm, no more incitement to violence should be tolerated if we want prosperity in the country. The entrepreneurs have long been appealing the political parties to resolve the issue through dialogue as soon as possible. Nepal should be a bandh free zone, if we want double digit growth. Investors will shy away if there is frequent bandh in the country. There is an urgency to rethink the existing culture of bandh by the political parties.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-16', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.', 'sortorder' => '1677', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1775', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Nepal Leadership Summit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.</div> <div> </div> <div> Industrial growth has been hanging near zero percent, the investment rate has declined, inflation is high, industrial growth is badly affected due to the energy crisis, causing companies to struggle on how to run businesses without a reliable source of electricity. </div> <div> </div> <div> In the aforementioned situation, collective effort is a must to achieve the double digit growth. New Business Age group and Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BiCCI) tried to find out a common solution for the existing economic slowdown.</div> <div> </div> <div> The NBA group and BiCCI jointly organized Nepal Leadership Summit: Roadmap of Economic Revolution: Vision 2080 BS in Nepal’s renowned industrial city Birgunj last week.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s five former Prime Minister since 1990 expressed their views on Nepal’s economic development. They also signed a 12-point Birgunj declaration showing their commitment to the economic revolution in Nepal giving private sector a leading role. The summit was historic in many respects. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, the summit was successful to bring together Nepal’s five former Prime Ministers who represent various political parties in a platform to discuss important economic issues. Second, it sought former PMs visions and agendas to address country’s existing adverse economic issues ranging from labour unrest to power deficit. Third, the summit also tried to figure out differences among politicians and make them convinced for the economic prosperity of the country. Last but not the least, politicians signed a 12-point pact showing their commitment to the long term economic development of the country which will be remembered as the Birgunj Declaration.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a fact that commitment is not enough. Leaders should be ready to translate their commitment into action. There is still a long struggle ahead when it comes to engaging the government to revive the Nepali economy. The country has yet to address economic concerns and map out a strategy with business community and international support to address country’s economic problems.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a positive sign to the country’s economic prosperity, all leaders pledged not to politicize economic agenda. They also stressed that Nepal is in a dire need of economic revolution after various political changes.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regardless of their political ideology, all leaders agreed to let private sector lead the country’s development and acknowledged the government’s role as catalyst. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should focus on turning the optimism about the country’s future into real action. The mood should be changed from thinking of Nepal as a poor country to as a country that holds hope.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a difficult task to implement the 12-point Birgunj Declaration but not impossible. One thing is for sure: ‘United we stand: divided we fall’. The need of the hour is sincere commitment from all political parties to drive the country into prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-09', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.', 'sortorder' => '1636', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1735', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Put Economy On Priority', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Sheer negligence towards the depreciation of currency would have been a major political issue, if Nepal had been a developed country, with high financial literacy. In Nepal, as evidences show, people do not think that politicians can address economic issues. On the other hand, even politicians do not take economic issues as their responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> But the country cannot go ahead with such ignorant politicians who do not care about the welfare of the country and its people. They should take economic issues seriously and put it in their election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> As election fever is gripping across the country, private sector has started parlays with political parties to apprise them convinced on economic issues. It is very necessary to produce a clear consensus plan for averting a looming economic crisis and it is not possible without political consensus.</div> <div> </div> <div> Fundamentally, the basic job of Constituent Assembly is to promulgate new constitution. Economic issues should not be ignored even in the new constitution. A guarantee of economic freedom should be clearly spell out the constitution and for that the politicians should start homework before the election. Importantly, it should be included in the election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> In an ideal situation, we can make this country as beautiful as Switzerland. But dreaming something is not enough to achieve it. We have to take initiative to fulfill our dreams. The country cannot take the path of prosperity without clear economic roadmap and commitment from political sector. The economy can go ahead on its own pace if it is already on track. For instance, a political turmoil in Italy nominally affects the economic situation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politicians should listen to private sector’s voice and give a clear economic roadmap so that they will be able to fulfill our collective dream of becoming rich and prosperous country. Election is not all about distributing illusion and giving catchy phrases to the people, rather it is the commitment towards the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Now leaders should be clear enough on the key economic issues such as unemployment, labour unrest, hydropower, industrial growth, tourism etc. Private sector’s effort to create pressure for a better economy should be taken as a commendable move.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-02', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.', 'sortorder' => '1596', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1697', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Economic Prosperity: Our Roadmap Ahead', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the last decade, high unemployment and lack of entrepreneurial opportunities posed serious challenges to Nepal’s transition. On the other hand, the country faced growing unresolved grievances caused by issues such as misappropriation of private property, rampant corruption and widening inequality.</div> <div> </div> <div> Yet, there is a silver lining. Despite a decade-long political turmoil and armed conflict, the country’s economy was successful enough to maintain its basic economic indicators in a positive direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> Many believe that Nepal can achieve prosperity if elections are held on time as political parties will agree on a common economic agenda to take the country into a prosperous future.</div> <div> </div> <div> Can economic prosperity be achieved in a country that reels under perennial problems? We think it can. Incredible natural resources have favoured the country for development. Now it is our turn to do a favour to our collective dream of becoming rich, prosperous and happy. We can achieve economic prosperity only if we put in collective effort. </div> <div> </div> <div> The desired need for economic growth must be a sincere commitment from all walks of life. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government is heading towards a dream of achieving the status of ‘developing country’ by 2022 through a three-year plan. Many suspect whether the Nepali economy can begin the journey of prosperity in the given circumstances. The experience of the last decade, however, shows that the country can achieve things if the CA election is held on time and if political parties are united on a common economic agenda.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite political instability, Nepal has witnessed noticeable growth in all sectors during the last decade. In recent years, many banks and money transfer businesses have grown. Nepal was one of the highest receivers of remittance on the basis of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011.</div> <div> </div> <div> Be it the health and education sector or the manufacturing and industrial sector, the country has succeeded to achieve remarkable progress despite political instability.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are rays of hope also in the hydropower sector. Currently a power deficit country, the country will be in power surplus by 2018 if all ongoing projects are completed within the stipulated time. </div> <div> </div> <div> Most important of all for the desired level of growth is the leading role of the private sector in investment, production and distribution of all goods and services. Of course, state support is a need as is security and ground for fair-play. Guided by this philosophy, New Business Age co-organised a conclave on the growth debate in Kathmandu on 24th August, with the opportunity to recognise the contribution of the business sector to growth. This recognition came in the form of ten categories of business awards. </div> <div> </div> <div> For the sustained prosperity of the nation, we need to start modest and all big dreams will fall in line with the accomplishment of initial ones. If we achieve 7 per cent growth first, then a double-digit figure can soon follow. As in an essay by noted litterateur Laxmi Prasad Devkota entitled ‘Is Nepal Insignificant?’ where he eloquently writes about the prospects of Nepal, this country has tremendous potential for economic growth. But all we need to boost the country’s economy are commitment from the political leadership, positive thinking of the general public and sincere and genuine effort from the private sector.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-26', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.', 'sortorder' => '1558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1649', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'For Regulated Poultry Farming', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.</div> <div> </div> <div> Running a poultry farm is not as easy an affair as we think. The ongoing bird-flu epidemic proves that. So, it is the poultry farmers association drafts a regulation and asks the government to promugalte it.government brought a separate policy to regulate poultry farming in Nepal. Poultry farming as of now is one of the most unscientific and unmanaged businesses in Nepal. Running farms without health and environmental regulations has been causing pollution to the detriment on public health and environment. Well managed farms have been avoiding the bird-flu problem.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regulating poultry farms is practiced all over the world. The Haryana state government in India, for instance, issued in June 2013a strict guideline for poultry farmers asking them to adopt modern sanitary methods to prevent contamination caused by solid, liquid and air pollution. The state government made it mandatory for poultry farms to make provisions of vegetative screens or barriers to slow airflow and/or redirect odour from the poultry away from human receptors.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal also needs a separate regulatory mechanism to ensure the safety of its citizens as unregulated poultry farms have affected public health in the country. Farms in the middle of residential areas and poultry sheds that stand by public roads, water streams and residential areas are common in the country. It is the government’s obligation of the poultry farmers and the government to protect the public from unwarranted health hazards due to unmanaged and unsystematic farms located in inappropriate places. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should promote large scale poultry farms in specific area in order to control disease like bird flu.introducing poultry insurance and encouraging farmers to get their farms insecured will be one solution. With insurance policy against bird flu or other hazards, the farmers will have no incentive to smuggle diseased birds to the market.</div> <div> </div> <div> Currently, the government has been providing a small amount of cash to farmers for culling bird flu-infected chicken. It would be a far better idea to create a separate fund to finance such insurance cost than providing compensation on an individual basis. </div> <div> </div> <div> The existing havoc of bird flu is not a one-time scenario. The country may face such problems in the future too. Therefore, government should regulate in the business in manner that will address health and environment safety in poultry farms would go a long way in further modernizing this business.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-19', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.', 'sortorder' => '1510', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1604', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Need To Solve PDA Issues', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, foreign investors want sovereign guarantee from the government due to bad financials of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) which is suffering from the problem of inefficiency and in adequate resource to convince big investors. Sovereign guarantee is a guarantee by the Government that all obligations will be fulfilled if the primary obliger goes into default. NEA is responsible to fulfill all the obligations at present but technically bankrupt NEA cannot convince any investors at present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors shy away from investing in Nepal until the country introduces a provision that can keep investors in confidence and sovereign guarantee is such a provision.</div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, the government has to take appropriate measures in several other issues to attract more investment in hydro sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should convince foreign investors that they will be protected against foreign exchange risks when repatriating their earnings. It should also clarify its stand on signing Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in convertible currency. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors often blame the government for not facilitating in foreign currency exchange process. The process to get permission to repatriate dividend and sales proceeds takes long time, according to investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> Such provision compels investors to face hassles and feel discouraged to invest in the concerned sector. The government has to create comfortable environment to invest in hydro sector without any delay. </div> <div> </div> <div> Another bone of contention between the government and private sector regarding PDA issues is termination payment. Investors say there is no clear provision for termination payment which has created a kind of fear among investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> In case of termination, investors need to be assured that they do not lose money and receive adequate compensation. The government should make payment in the eventuality of termination events. There should be provision of Termination Payment in PDA, so that investors are not in loss, in case they have to terminate the investment due to events beyond their control. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s hydro sector can take a big leap forward only when the government is ready to revise all troublesome legal provision on these and other matters.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-12', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard.', 'sortorder' => '1465', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1557', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Transparency In Political Finance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections. The party has announced its commitment also to accept donation through cheque. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> The announcement may have provided relief to business community. It is a common practice around the world that political parties collect funds from donation to build and sustain the organisation, to train party cadres and fight elections. Equally important fact is that the sources of such funding undeniably influence the behaviour of the funded party if it comes to power. So this issue impacts directly on democratic rights. </div> <div> </div> <div> Principally, the major share of funding should be from voluntary contribution but that is not happening in Nepal. Almost all political parties tend to amass cash by force. Forceful donation drive by political parties has become common phenomenon and has terrorized the entire business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The recent announcement of Nepali Congress has provided strong ground to business community to bring donation issue in public domain. Other political parties should be ready to do the same. As public political institutions, political parties should be proactive to disclose their information to public and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, all political parties should be ready for the public audit of their income and expenditure since transparency is considered the hallmark of democracy. Political parties should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations. </div> <div> </div> <div> Against this backdrop, it is high time to address the demand for public disclosure of political finances because: 1) it helps prevent financial abuse during election, and 2) it is necessary to promote healthy political competition. </div> <div> </div> <div> We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. The US agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented, and discloses the same to the public and the media. Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same. </div> <div> </div> <div> Transparency in donation also helps boost morale of country’s business community that has faced many hassles to adjust their account because they were forced to provide donation in such a way that they could not keep any record of such donation. Political parties should ensure that election is not an event to terrorize business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal needs to set up a mechanism that can make for accountability on the sources and utilisation of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to promise the much-needed change since the country is ready to go for new CA election.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-05', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections.', 'sortorder' => '1418', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 60 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> Most of our leaders are ‘populist’ and accountability is what they failed to demonstrate in the past. Most of the public have doubts that they might repeat the same mistake even in the days to come. They prepare manifesto as publicity material for election but fail to implement the commitments made in them after they get into power. </div> <div> </div> <div> Unlike previous elections, political parties in this CA election hav emphasized on economic agenda that have kindled new hopes and aspirations to the private sector. High turnout of votes for parties supporting liberal economy is evident of the people’s distaste for politics of confrontation and conspiracy. Sweeping victory of traditionally moderate political parties that favor economic freedom and civil liberties has provided grounds to private sector to look forward for reforms in national economic policies and state initiatives that will boost country’s economic status. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, of these measures to be taken by political parties should be putting their efforts to provision for complete ‘economic freedom’ in the new constitution. Secondly, they should stick to their commitment of making the country a ‘strike-free’ zone. It is high time for all parties to come together and implement measures that will help in gaining the objective of making Nepal a country with power surplus within few years. They should promote productive sector and bring policies to propel export from Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of lamenting for resource crunch, parties should realize the issue of ‘resource curse’ and should come up with collectively effort to overcome hurdles in resolving the issue. They should work jointly in clearing ambiguities and obstacles in existing policies and programs and introduce relevant and essential policies to develop hydro electricity, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other economic sectors included in their election manifesto. </div> <div> </div> <div> It’s however is not easy task for leaders who speak just to lure voters. For instance, Rameshwar Phuyal of CPN UML had pledged to double senior citizens allowances, if UML would form a government. His remark is representative of some politician’s distributive mindset in the backdrop of declining capital expenditure. </div> <div> </div> <div> Translating promises into action might be tricky to political parties especially when the nation is making its way through transition. Despite such scenario, will power among political party leaders to move ahead in consensus for common national development objectives is a commitment made by all political parties, and it’s high time they stick to it.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should work for the development of the entire nation instead of catering and caring needs of their party and party cadres. They should not introduce distributive budget and avoid nepotism and favoritism. </div> <div> </div> <div> Their failure to do so, will result in the rise of left or right extremism in Nepal, as in the past.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-12-02', 'modified' => '2013-12-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Second Constituent Assembly election is over and political parties are in discussion to form a new government. Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not.', 'sortorder' => '2044', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2154', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Victory Of Free Market Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Early results and trends show parties contesting with ethnic and regional agenda have lost. Political parties having liberal ideologies including centre-right Nepali Congress (NC) and centre-left Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) are heading towards victory. Out of the results declared for 239 of the total 240 seats under the First-Past-the-Post system, the NC has won 105 and UML 91 seats that makes their combined strength 82%. For the proportional representation system votes, UML has secured 28% and NC 26%. This is likely to yield them a very comfortable majority provided they work together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML is a good sign for economic reasons too since both parties are positive toward free market economy. While Nepali Congress is considered promoter of free market economy in Nepal, UML too is more favourable to free market than UCPN (Maoist), though some doubts still linger about UML’s tendency towards communist ideological dogma. </div> <div> </div> <div> Sign of victory of NC and UML has already shown positive impact on the share market. Their victory will further help boost confidence of business community due to their liberal policies. Another good aspect is that UML has in its manifesto vowed not to organize any general strike in the coming days. Hope the party sticks to its commitment.</div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML have other political repercussions too. With apparent signs that NC and UML will emerge as near-equal forces, many people have started interpreting this result as people’s mandate to adopt two-party system. While it is still premature to conclude that the people have favoured two-party system, it can be safely said that people are not in favour extremist forces if NC and UML will be able to handle the vexing issues regional and ethnic inequalities in a pragmatic way.</div> <div> </div> <div> People also rejected the atrocities by CPN-Maoist (popularly known as dash Maoist) and despite the 10-day long general strike called by it, people came forward and cast their vote. In doing so they snatched away the previous mandate given to the UCPN Maoist, and expressed fresh mandate for peace and prosperity. They did not support political parties that frequently created chaos by resorting to violence. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties do not have right terrorize the nation in the name of ‘people’. UCPN (Maoist)’s threat to boycott the new CA shows that they still have to go a long way in proving themselves honest to democracy. Instead of positing their failure on ‘national and international power sources’ it’s time for them to analyze their weaknesses and improve themsemves to face the next election.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-25', 'modified' => '2013-11-26', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.', 'sortorder' => '2003', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2104', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Qatar Labour Issue: A National Shame', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">I</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">t is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> A recent report by The Guardian on the Nepali migrant labour’s inhuman condition in Qatar, created hue and cry in the international arena. The report brought to fore how Qatar has been mistreating Nepali migrant workers by disregarding its commitment to international human and labour laws. The report portrayed how Nepali migrant workers were treated as modern-day slaves by Qatar. Maya Kumari Sharma, the Nepali ambassador to Qatar was right when she termed Qatar as an “open jail” for Nepali labourers. Though she was castigated for that remark, the new revelation has vindicated her. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of condemning mistreatment to Nepali migrant workers in Qatar, Nepal government tried to protect the Qatar government. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government did not even dare to write to Qatar government formally asking it to end inhuman behaviour against Nepali workers. In a sense, the government proved itself to be inefficient, submissive and coward that failed to speak up against injustice faced by its citizens. Even the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that recently set up a fund to help Nepalis who fall in trouble in foreign land, has not uttered a single word in response to this report.</div> <div> </div> <div> Labour exploitation has been considered as modern day human slavery. All nations that import human resources from second countries should respect and abide by international labour laws. Qatar should immediately take actions to translate its commitment to international labour rights into practice and treat Nepali labourers with due respect and provide them working conditions that will enable them to contribute to its development in a dignified manner. </div> <div> </div> <div> Guardian’s report did initiate discussion about Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers in the international arena. International community took up the issue with the Qatari authorities. But unfortunately, Nepal government lagged behind in this. This report should also prompt Nepal to review its policy related to labour export and Nepalis living abroad. Every country with some self-respect deals in a very serious manner when its citizens living abroad face some trouble. Such countries do not shy away from spending a lot of national resources to rescue their citizens when they are in trouble in a foreign land. And they take up the issue seriously to provide justice to those mistreated in the foreign land. </div> <div> </div> <div> Equally important for Nepal is to stop basking on the foreign exchange earning that the migrant Nepali labourers send home. Rather it should reflect why the Nepalis are going abroad for employment. They go abroad because the employment opportunities in Nepal are shrinking, not increasing, thanks to the anarchy that is ruling the country for about two decades. Due to this lawlessness, investment is not increasing in Nepal and without increased investment there will be no additional employment opportunities created. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should also think of the situation when there will be mass return of the Nepali migrant workers fed up with the mistreatment in the foreign land or deported by the countries where they are working now. Such deportation has already started from countries like Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal authorities should bear in mind that the social unrest in Nepal is muted till now because most of the able-bodied unemployed youth go out of the country in search of jobs. When such migrants return in mass, and find that they cannot get job here, the country will get into another round of similar (or even bigger scale) bloodbath that it saw just a decade ago.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-11', 'modified' => '2013-11-11', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar.', 'sortorder' => '1949', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2033', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'NRNA Is Not Forum For Politics', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise. </div> <div> </div> <div> Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), knowingly or unknowingly, engaged in politics during its recently held NRN International Convention and Sixth Global Conference which took place in Kathmandu from October 19 to 22. As a result, the NRNA was divided according to the wish of political parties which will have long-term adverse impact on the entire organization.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA should not be divided on the basis of political affiliation and ideology. Their roadmap should be clear: prosperity of the country. If they want to engage in politics, they should not hesitate to enter politics directly instead of taking other NRNs for a ride to fulfill their political desire . </div> <div> </div> <div> If NRNA is sincere in its effort to develop the country and take it to the next level of development, members of the organization should pledge for the actions which they can deliver and abstain from making promises like politicians.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA can contribute to the country’s prosperity in positive manner in several ways: one, it can spread positive message about the country abroad; second, it can convince investors from the country where they are residing to invest in Nepal; third, transfer expertise and skills they acquire abroad; and fourth, promote tourism activities by visiting Nepal frequently.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRN, following the long established trend, has also started to blame the government as the sole causes of all the problems in the country. Instead of being involved in blame game, NRNs should engage themselves in productive work. </div> <div> </div> <div> Only thing the government can provide NRN is stable policy and environment conducive for investment. NRNs should not expect much from the government rather it should provide constructive suggestions and assistance in government’s development initiatives. </div> <div> </div> <div> Why do people respect NRNs? The answer is clear— they are expected to be more loyal to the country when compared to other foreign investors. So, they have added responsibilities towards the country like that of Non Resident Indians in India. They have contributed to Indian economy when the economic situation was adverse and foreign investors had been shying away to invest there. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, in spite of blaming the country’s economic situation, NRNs should float the option of best investment areas in the existing situation. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, we should not expect much from NRNs too. Most of the first generation NRNs has been residing abroad at present and they themselves are struggling to get established. Secondly, they should not come here and suffer loss and it is our duty to assure them the safety of their investment. Together we can lead the country on the road to prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-28', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise.', 'sortorder' => '1883', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1982', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Do Not Make The Country A Testing Ground', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the fever of the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election has gone up, political parties are busy drafting and finalizing their election manifestos. Political parties, however, seem to be dubious in identifying what the new structure of the Nepali state should be. </div> <div> </div> <div> The common fear existing in the country is that political parties may push the country into further uncertainty in the name of adopting ‘our own model’ of federalism and democracy. There are lots of controversies among political parties, and within a single political party too, related to state restructuring. Political parties, which are supposed to raise class issue, have been raising ethnic agenda for the sake of their own benefit. On the other hand, the so-called democratic forces have been visionless and indecisive on various crucial issues including appropriate model to run the country. </div> <div> </div> <div> It is well-known fact that the first Constituent Assembly got dissolved without delivering a statute four years after the election. And it was because of lack of clarity among political parties whose last-hour consultations ended without an agreement on model of federalism. </div> <div> </div> <div> While ethnic-based federal units were seen by some as the only way to address the identity of marginalised communities, there were also fears that given Nepal’s complex ethnic, racial, linguistic and caste mosaic this would lead to fragmentation and conflict.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are differences among political forces in many crucial issues including federalism, number of province, model of the government, i.e., presidential vs parliamentarian. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should not try to make the country a testing ground. It would be better to adopt any of established models of democracy instead of creating catchy phrases and ambiguous words in the name of ‘originality’.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political system may vary country to country. For instance, there are various political systems in various countries including US Presidential system, UK – Westminster parliamentary, German semi-parliamentary and French hybrid.</div> <div> </div> <div> But political parties in Nepal have been trying to mix up various practices from different political system. Mixing British Westminster parliamentary system with US presidential system or French model of political system may create confusion when it comes time to implement the model in practice. </div> <div> </div> <div> So, political parties should dare to speak out openly that adopting already tested political system will be more suitable in the country rather than opting for new test. The differences should be harnessed because all political parties, in principle, want prosperity and development of the country. All we need is sincere effort and genuine commitment from political parties. The bottom-line should be democracy and liberal economy; rest of the issues can be discussed and amended in the process of practicing democracy.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-21', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly.', 'sortorder' => '1834', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1935', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Happy Dashain', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.</div> <div> </div> <div> The only difference this time around might be for the political parties who will, no doubt, be campaigning even during the festival. Dashain is a golden chance for the candidates contesting in the upcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election to connect directly with voters and convience them into their ideology and agenda by giving coveted gifts in return. Equally, people can take advantage of their advances by placing their queries and judging the efficiency of the candidates.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politics aside, there are many good aspects of Dashain as well as some bad practices. It is really difficult to celebrate Dashain for low-income families. Increasing inflation and lack of employment opportunities have hit the middle class population of the country. The culture of imitating others in celebrating Dashain will compel lower-income families to take loans. May this season bring some respite to all families living in acute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> Better off citizens should be aware of the social pressures unconsciously exerted upon others and be careful to celebrate responsibly. Excessive use of alcohol may create tension among neighbours and it should be avoided. People should also be alert regarding adulteration in food products and the possible compromises in hygiene during this period of high demand in traditional foods. The security agencies and government’s quality control mechanisms also should be careful to safeguard the people’s right to consume healthy food. Dashain being a festival that symbolises the victory of truth over evil, may this season bring conscience in business practices and the government’s responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> Dashain also acts as a social glue in our increasingly busy society. People observe the tika receiving ceremony as an opportunity to resume broken relations with their relatives and friends. The festival gives immense opportunity for relatives living abroad to come together as well. May this Dashain bring prosperity and joy to you and your family. Happy Dashain to all our readers!</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.', 'sortorder' => '1793', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1886', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Businessmen In Politics: A Good Mix?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter. </div> <div> </div> <div> These questions will be raised during the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election in Nepal where many businessmen have expressed their interest to contest from different political parties. Further, some businessmen and organizations have already been in controversies due to their alleged involvement to lobby for particular candidates in the CA election.</div> <div> </div> <div> Generally, the issues among the business community should be common: environment for honest and genuine business, provision of a level playing field and assurance of private property, along with others.</div> <div> </div> <div> But in our context, it does not seem that businessmen want to enter politics to foster an environment conducive for business.</div> <div> </div> <div> There is a saying: honesty is the best policy. Businessmen should be honest. The current horserace to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list does not show the honesty of businessmen.</div> <div> </div> <div> Businessmen should dare to forge their own political parties if they want to be involved in politics or should announce openly that they will leave business to enter politics. The example of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can be appropriate here.</div> <div> </div> <div> The greed of businessmen to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list has tarnished the reputation of the business community. On the one hand, many accuse businessmen of bribing politicians to secure tickets. On the other, their open affiliation to political parties raises the question of misuse of power and power influence of power in their business activities.</div> <div> </div> <div> Preferably, businessmen should not enter politics when the stand of the business community is divided on major economic issues. How can a businessperson take an independent stand after his/her affiliation to a particular political party? These are some issues that need to be clarified by those willing to contest in the election.</div> <div> </div> <div> If businessmen want to be engaged in philanthropy, there are numerous ways to do so. Blatant use of money to get a ticket in the election and to be a member of the CA or parliament will do nothing more than tarnish the image of the private sector and pull the entire business community into controversy.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the end, businessmen should be clear that you can’t win elections with money alone. If that were true, all the big industrialists throughout the world would have been ruling their countries already.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter.', 'sortorder' => '1747', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1851', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> </p> <p> Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p> <p> The brightest aspect in Nepal’s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p> <p> We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world’s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p> <p> Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers’ tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p> <p> The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 – a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism & Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country’s tourism potential.</p> <p> Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal’s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector. As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-23', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'Edits & Opinions cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Edits & Opinions nepal, cover story headlines from nepal, Edits & Opinions current and latest cover story news from nepal, Edits & Opinions economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events, ongoing', 'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.', 'sortorder' => '1712', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1816', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'End Strike To Stimulate Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.</div> <div> </div> <div> The general public and the entrepreneurs feel disappointed over the major political parties who have failed to resolve the conflict through mutual talks. Unfortunately, there is no respite at sight. With the approaching Constituent Assembly election in Nepal, it is for sure that disgruntled parties will call frequent strikes to exert pressure on the government to fulfill their demands.</div> <div> </div> <div> For instance, the country witnessed two general strikes last week clearly hinting that the business fraternity will suffer more if there is not political consensus against bandh. Though there are laws that empower the local authorities to punish those who go for organised bandhs, the authorities concerned are not invoking these laws, as most of the bandhs are called for political reasons.</div> <div> </div> <div> Almost all walks of life are victimized by general strikes. Besides, business community, the daily wage earners and small scale entrepreneurs are the major victims of such strikes. The market witnesses price hike to more than triple due to short supply of vegetables, and food grains.</div> <div> </div> <div> It undermines confidence in the country’s economy, and if we undermine confidence, we are destabilising investment. It is hitting our economy and yet this has not deterred the organizations or groups of people seeking ‘justice’ from going ahead with bandh or blockade.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a democratic country, every citizen may have the rights to protest against injustices meted out to them. But at the same time it should be recognized that ‘forced bandh’ violates human rights as well.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the economic realm, no more incitement to violence should be tolerated if we want prosperity in the country. The entrepreneurs have long been appealing the political parties to resolve the issue through dialogue as soon as possible. Nepal should be a bandh free zone, if we want double digit growth. Investors will shy away if there is frequent bandh in the country. There is an urgency to rethink the existing culture of bandh by the political parties.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-16', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.', 'sortorder' => '1677', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1775', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Nepal Leadership Summit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.</div> <div> </div> <div> Industrial growth has been hanging near zero percent, the investment rate has declined, inflation is high, industrial growth is badly affected due to the energy crisis, causing companies to struggle on how to run businesses without a reliable source of electricity. </div> <div> </div> <div> In the aforementioned situation, collective effort is a must to achieve the double digit growth. New Business Age group and Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BiCCI) tried to find out a common solution for the existing economic slowdown.</div> <div> </div> <div> The NBA group and BiCCI jointly organized Nepal Leadership Summit: Roadmap of Economic Revolution: Vision 2080 BS in Nepal’s renowned industrial city Birgunj last week.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s five former Prime Minister since 1990 expressed their views on Nepal’s economic development. They also signed a 12-point Birgunj declaration showing their commitment to the economic revolution in Nepal giving private sector a leading role. The summit was historic in many respects. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, the summit was successful to bring together Nepal’s five former Prime Ministers who represent various political parties in a platform to discuss important economic issues. Second, it sought former PMs visions and agendas to address country’s existing adverse economic issues ranging from labour unrest to power deficit. Third, the summit also tried to figure out differences among politicians and make them convinced for the economic prosperity of the country. Last but not the least, politicians signed a 12-point pact showing their commitment to the long term economic development of the country which will be remembered as the Birgunj Declaration.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a fact that commitment is not enough. Leaders should be ready to translate their commitment into action. There is still a long struggle ahead when it comes to engaging the government to revive the Nepali economy. The country has yet to address economic concerns and map out a strategy with business community and international support to address country’s economic problems.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a positive sign to the country’s economic prosperity, all leaders pledged not to politicize economic agenda. They also stressed that Nepal is in a dire need of economic revolution after various political changes.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regardless of their political ideology, all leaders agreed to let private sector lead the country’s development and acknowledged the government’s role as catalyst. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should focus on turning the optimism about the country’s future into real action. The mood should be changed from thinking of Nepal as a poor country to as a country that holds hope.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a difficult task to implement the 12-point Birgunj Declaration but not impossible. One thing is for sure: ‘United we stand: divided we fall’. The need of the hour is sincere commitment from all political parties to drive the country into prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-09', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.', 'sortorder' => '1636', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1735', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Put Economy On Priority', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Sheer negligence towards the depreciation of currency would have been a major political issue, if Nepal had been a developed country, with high financial literacy. In Nepal, as evidences show, people do not think that politicians can address economic issues. On the other hand, even politicians do not take economic issues as their responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> But the country cannot go ahead with such ignorant politicians who do not care about the welfare of the country and its people. They should take economic issues seriously and put it in their election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> As election fever is gripping across the country, private sector has started parlays with political parties to apprise them convinced on economic issues. It is very necessary to produce a clear consensus plan for averting a looming economic crisis and it is not possible without political consensus.</div> <div> </div> <div> Fundamentally, the basic job of Constituent Assembly is to promulgate new constitution. Economic issues should not be ignored even in the new constitution. A guarantee of economic freedom should be clearly spell out the constitution and for that the politicians should start homework before the election. Importantly, it should be included in the election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> In an ideal situation, we can make this country as beautiful as Switzerland. But dreaming something is not enough to achieve it. We have to take initiative to fulfill our dreams. The country cannot take the path of prosperity without clear economic roadmap and commitment from political sector. The economy can go ahead on its own pace if it is already on track. For instance, a political turmoil in Italy nominally affects the economic situation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politicians should listen to private sector’s voice and give a clear economic roadmap so that they will be able to fulfill our collective dream of becoming rich and prosperous country. Election is not all about distributing illusion and giving catchy phrases to the people, rather it is the commitment towards the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Now leaders should be clear enough on the key economic issues such as unemployment, labour unrest, hydropower, industrial growth, tourism etc. Private sector’s effort to create pressure for a better economy should be taken as a commendable move.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-02', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.', 'sortorder' => '1596', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1697', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Economic Prosperity: Our Roadmap Ahead', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the last decade, high unemployment and lack of entrepreneurial opportunities posed serious challenges to Nepal’s transition. On the other hand, the country faced growing unresolved grievances caused by issues such as misappropriation of private property, rampant corruption and widening inequality.</div> <div> </div> <div> Yet, there is a silver lining. Despite a decade-long political turmoil and armed conflict, the country’s economy was successful enough to maintain its basic economic indicators in a positive direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> Many believe that Nepal can achieve prosperity if elections are held on time as political parties will agree on a common economic agenda to take the country into a prosperous future.</div> <div> </div> <div> Can economic prosperity be achieved in a country that reels under perennial problems? We think it can. Incredible natural resources have favoured the country for development. Now it is our turn to do a favour to our collective dream of becoming rich, prosperous and happy. We can achieve economic prosperity only if we put in collective effort. </div> <div> </div> <div> The desired need for economic growth must be a sincere commitment from all walks of life. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government is heading towards a dream of achieving the status of ‘developing country’ by 2022 through a three-year plan. Many suspect whether the Nepali economy can begin the journey of prosperity in the given circumstances. The experience of the last decade, however, shows that the country can achieve things if the CA election is held on time and if political parties are united on a common economic agenda.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite political instability, Nepal has witnessed noticeable growth in all sectors during the last decade. In recent years, many banks and money transfer businesses have grown. Nepal was one of the highest receivers of remittance on the basis of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011.</div> <div> </div> <div> Be it the health and education sector or the manufacturing and industrial sector, the country has succeeded to achieve remarkable progress despite political instability.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are rays of hope also in the hydropower sector. Currently a power deficit country, the country will be in power surplus by 2018 if all ongoing projects are completed within the stipulated time. </div> <div> </div> <div> Most important of all for the desired level of growth is the leading role of the private sector in investment, production and distribution of all goods and services. Of course, state support is a need as is security and ground for fair-play. Guided by this philosophy, New Business Age co-organised a conclave on the growth debate in Kathmandu on 24th August, with the opportunity to recognise the contribution of the business sector to growth. This recognition came in the form of ten categories of business awards. </div> <div> </div> <div> For the sustained prosperity of the nation, we need to start modest and all big dreams will fall in line with the accomplishment of initial ones. If we achieve 7 per cent growth first, then a double-digit figure can soon follow. As in an essay by noted litterateur Laxmi Prasad Devkota entitled ‘Is Nepal Insignificant?’ where he eloquently writes about the prospects of Nepal, this country has tremendous potential for economic growth. But all we need to boost the country’s economy are commitment from the political leadership, positive thinking of the general public and sincere and genuine effort from the private sector.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-26', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.', 'sortorder' => '1558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1649', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'For Regulated Poultry Farming', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.</div> <div> </div> <div> Running a poultry farm is not as easy an affair as we think. The ongoing bird-flu epidemic proves that. So, it is the poultry farmers association drafts a regulation and asks the government to promugalte it.government brought a separate policy to regulate poultry farming in Nepal. Poultry farming as of now is one of the most unscientific and unmanaged businesses in Nepal. Running farms without health and environmental regulations has been causing pollution to the detriment on public health and environment. Well managed farms have been avoiding the bird-flu problem.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regulating poultry farms is practiced all over the world. The Haryana state government in India, for instance, issued in June 2013a strict guideline for poultry farmers asking them to adopt modern sanitary methods to prevent contamination caused by solid, liquid and air pollution. The state government made it mandatory for poultry farms to make provisions of vegetative screens or barriers to slow airflow and/or redirect odour from the poultry away from human receptors.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal also needs a separate regulatory mechanism to ensure the safety of its citizens as unregulated poultry farms have affected public health in the country. Farms in the middle of residential areas and poultry sheds that stand by public roads, water streams and residential areas are common in the country. It is the government’s obligation of the poultry farmers and the government to protect the public from unwarranted health hazards due to unmanaged and unsystematic farms located in inappropriate places. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should promote large scale poultry farms in specific area in order to control disease like bird flu.introducing poultry insurance and encouraging farmers to get their farms insecured will be one solution. With insurance policy against bird flu or other hazards, the farmers will have no incentive to smuggle diseased birds to the market.</div> <div> </div> <div> Currently, the government has been providing a small amount of cash to farmers for culling bird flu-infected chicken. It would be a far better idea to create a separate fund to finance such insurance cost than providing compensation on an individual basis. </div> <div> </div> <div> The existing havoc of bird flu is not a one-time scenario. The country may face such problems in the future too. Therefore, government should regulate in the business in manner that will address health and environment safety in poultry farms would go a long way in further modernizing this business.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-19', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.', 'sortorder' => '1510', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1604', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Need To Solve PDA Issues', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, foreign investors want sovereign guarantee from the government due to bad financials of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) which is suffering from the problem of inefficiency and in adequate resource to convince big investors. Sovereign guarantee is a guarantee by the Government that all obligations will be fulfilled if the primary obliger goes into default. NEA is responsible to fulfill all the obligations at present but technically bankrupt NEA cannot convince any investors at present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors shy away from investing in Nepal until the country introduces a provision that can keep investors in confidence and sovereign guarantee is such a provision.</div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, the government has to take appropriate measures in several other issues to attract more investment in hydro sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should convince foreign investors that they will be protected against foreign exchange risks when repatriating their earnings. It should also clarify its stand on signing Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in convertible currency. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors often blame the government for not facilitating in foreign currency exchange process. The process to get permission to repatriate dividend and sales proceeds takes long time, according to investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> Such provision compels investors to face hassles and feel discouraged to invest in the concerned sector. The government has to create comfortable environment to invest in hydro sector without any delay. </div> <div> </div> <div> Another bone of contention between the government and private sector regarding PDA issues is termination payment. Investors say there is no clear provision for termination payment which has created a kind of fear among investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> In case of termination, investors need to be assured that they do not lose money and receive adequate compensation. The government should make payment in the eventuality of termination events. There should be provision of Termination Payment in PDA, so that investors are not in loss, in case they have to terminate the investment due to events beyond their control. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s hydro sector can take a big leap forward only when the government is ready to revise all troublesome legal provision on these and other matters.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-12', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard.', 'sortorder' => '1465', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1557', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Transparency In Political Finance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections. The party has announced its commitment also to accept donation through cheque. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> The announcement may have provided relief to business community. It is a common practice around the world that political parties collect funds from donation to build and sustain the organisation, to train party cadres and fight elections. Equally important fact is that the sources of such funding undeniably influence the behaviour of the funded party if it comes to power. So this issue impacts directly on democratic rights. </div> <div> </div> <div> Principally, the major share of funding should be from voluntary contribution but that is not happening in Nepal. Almost all political parties tend to amass cash by force. Forceful donation drive by political parties has become common phenomenon and has terrorized the entire business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The recent announcement of Nepali Congress has provided strong ground to business community to bring donation issue in public domain. Other political parties should be ready to do the same. As public political institutions, political parties should be proactive to disclose their information to public and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, all political parties should be ready for the public audit of their income and expenditure since transparency is considered the hallmark of democracy. Political parties should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations. </div> <div> </div> <div> Against this backdrop, it is high time to address the demand for public disclosure of political finances because: 1) it helps prevent financial abuse during election, and 2) it is necessary to promote healthy political competition. </div> <div> </div> <div> We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. The US agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented, and discloses the same to the public and the media. Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same. </div> <div> </div> <div> Transparency in donation also helps boost morale of country’s business community that has faced many hassles to adjust their account because they were forced to provide donation in such a way that they could not keep any record of such donation. Political parties should ensure that election is not an event to terrorize business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal needs to set up a mechanism that can make for accountability on the sources and utilisation of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to promise the much-needed change since the country is ready to go for new CA election.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-05', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections.', 'sortorder' => '1418', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falseinclude - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
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Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> Most of our leaders are ‘populist’ and accountability is what they failed to demonstrate in the past. Most of the public have doubts that they might repeat the same mistake even in the days to come. They prepare manifesto as publicity material for election but fail to implement the commitments made in them after they get into power. </div> <div> </div> <div> Unlike previous elections, political parties in this CA election hav emphasized on economic agenda that have kindled new hopes and aspirations to the private sector. High turnout of votes for parties supporting liberal economy is evident of the people’s distaste for politics of confrontation and conspiracy. Sweeping victory of traditionally moderate political parties that favor economic freedom and civil liberties has provided grounds to private sector to look forward for reforms in national economic policies and state initiatives that will boost country’s economic status. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, of these measures to be taken by political parties should be putting their efforts to provision for complete ‘economic freedom’ in the new constitution. Secondly, they should stick to their commitment of making the country a ‘strike-free’ zone. It is high time for all parties to come together and implement measures that will help in gaining the objective of making Nepal a country with power surplus within few years. They should promote productive sector and bring policies to propel export from Nepal. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of lamenting for resource crunch, parties should realize the issue of ‘resource curse’ and should come up with collectively effort to overcome hurdles in resolving the issue. They should work jointly in clearing ambiguities and obstacles in existing policies and programs and introduce relevant and essential policies to develop hydro electricity, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism and other economic sectors included in their election manifesto. </div> <div> </div> <div> It’s however is not easy task for leaders who speak just to lure voters. For instance, Rameshwar Phuyal of CPN UML had pledged to double senior citizens allowances, if UML would form a government. His remark is representative of some politician’s distributive mindset in the backdrop of declining capital expenditure. </div> <div> </div> <div> Translating promises into action might be tricky to political parties especially when the nation is making its way through transition. Despite such scenario, will power among political party leaders to move ahead in consensus for common national development objectives is a commitment made by all political parties, and it’s high time they stick to it.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should work for the development of the entire nation instead of catering and caring needs of their party and party cadres. They should not introduce distributive budget and avoid nepotism and favoritism. </div> <div> </div> <div> Their failure to do so, will result in the rise of left or right extremism in Nepal, as in the past.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-12-02', 'modified' => '2013-12-03', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Second Constituent Assembly election is over and political parties are in discussion to form a new government. Public is closely watching them to see if they will implement their commitments made in their respective manifesto or not.', 'sortorder' => '2044', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 1 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2154', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Victory Of Free Market Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Early results and trends show parties contesting with ethnic and regional agenda have lost. Political parties having liberal ideologies including centre-right Nepali Congress (NC) and centre-left Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) are heading towards victory. Out of the results declared for 239 of the total 240 seats under the First-Past-the-Post system, the NC has won 105 and UML 91 seats that makes their combined strength 82%. For the proportional representation system votes, UML has secured 28% and NC 26%. This is likely to yield them a very comfortable majority provided they work together. </div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML is a good sign for economic reasons too since both parties are positive toward free market economy. While Nepali Congress is considered promoter of free market economy in Nepal, UML too is more favourable to free market than UCPN (Maoist), though some doubts still linger about UML’s tendency towards communist ideological dogma. </div> <div> </div> <div> Sign of victory of NC and UML has already shown positive impact on the share market. Their victory will further help boost confidence of business community due to their liberal policies. Another good aspect is that UML has in its manifesto vowed not to organize any general strike in the coming days. Hope the party sticks to its commitment.</div> <div> </div> <div> Victory of NC and UML have other political repercussions too. With apparent signs that NC and UML will emerge as near-equal forces, many people have started interpreting this result as people’s mandate to adopt two-party system. While it is still premature to conclude that the people have favoured two-party system, it can be safely said that people are not in favour extremist forces if NC and UML will be able to handle the vexing issues regional and ethnic inequalities in a pragmatic way.</div> <div> </div> <div> People also rejected the atrocities by CPN-Maoist (popularly known as dash Maoist) and despite the 10-day long general strike called by it, people came forward and cast their vote. In doing so they snatched away the previous mandate given to the UCPN Maoist, and expressed fresh mandate for peace and prosperity. They did not support political parties that frequently created chaos by resorting to violence. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties do not have right terrorize the nation in the name of ‘people’. UCPN (Maoist)’s threat to boycott the new CA shows that they still have to go a long way in proving themselves honest to democracy. Instead of positing their failure on ‘national and international power sources’ it’s time for them to analyze their weaknesses and improve themsemves to face the next election.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-25', 'modified' => '2013-11-26', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on November 19 has concluded peacefully with a record-high participation across the country.', 'sortorder' => '2003', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 2 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2104', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Qatar Labour Issue: A National Shame', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">I</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">t is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> A recent report by The Guardian on the Nepali migrant labour’s inhuman condition in Qatar, created hue and cry in the international arena. The report brought to fore how Qatar has been mistreating Nepali migrant workers by disregarding its commitment to international human and labour laws. The report portrayed how Nepali migrant workers were treated as modern-day slaves by Qatar. Maya Kumari Sharma, the Nepali ambassador to Qatar was right when she termed Qatar as an “open jail” for Nepali labourers. Though she was castigated for that remark, the new revelation has vindicated her. </div> <div> </div> <div> In spite of condemning mistreatment to Nepali migrant workers in Qatar, Nepal government tried to protect the Qatar government. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government did not even dare to write to Qatar government formally asking it to end inhuman behaviour against Nepali workers. In a sense, the government proved itself to be inefficient, submissive and coward that failed to speak up against injustice faced by its citizens. Even the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) that recently set up a fund to help Nepalis who fall in trouble in foreign land, has not uttered a single word in response to this report.</div> <div> </div> <div> Labour exploitation has been considered as modern day human slavery. All nations that import human resources from second countries should respect and abide by international labour laws. Qatar should immediately take actions to translate its commitment to international labour rights into practice and treat Nepali labourers with due respect and provide them working conditions that will enable them to contribute to its development in a dignified manner. </div> <div> </div> <div> Guardian’s report did initiate discussion about Qatar’s treatment of migrant workers in the international arena. International community took up the issue with the Qatari authorities. But unfortunately, Nepal government lagged behind in this. This report should also prompt Nepal to review its policy related to labour export and Nepalis living abroad. Every country with some self-respect deals in a very serious manner when its citizens living abroad face some trouble. Such countries do not shy away from spending a lot of national resources to rescue their citizens when they are in trouble in a foreign land. And they take up the issue seriously to provide justice to those mistreated in the foreign land. </div> <div> </div> <div> Equally important for Nepal is to stop basking on the foreign exchange earning that the migrant Nepali labourers send home. Rather it should reflect why the Nepalis are going abroad for employment. They go abroad because the employment opportunities in Nepal are shrinking, not increasing, thanks to the anarchy that is ruling the country for about two decades. Due to this lawlessness, investment is not increasing in Nepal and without increased investment there will be no additional employment opportunities created. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should also think of the situation when there will be mass return of the Nepali migrant workers fed up with the mistreatment in the foreign land or deported by the countries where they are working now. Such deportation has already started from countries like Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal authorities should bear in mind that the social unrest in Nepal is muted till now because most of the able-bodied unemployed youth go out of the country in search of jobs. When such migrants return in mass, and find that they cannot get job here, the country will get into another round of similar (or even bigger scale) bloodbath that it saw just a decade ago.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-11-11', 'modified' => '2013-11-11', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is a national shame that neither Nepal government nor human right activists came up with strong voices against inhuman treatment for Nepali workers in Qatar.', 'sortorder' => '1949', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 3 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '2033', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'NRNA Is Not Forum For Politics', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise. </div> <div> </div> <div> Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), knowingly or unknowingly, engaged in politics during its recently held NRN International Convention and Sixth Global Conference which took place in Kathmandu from October 19 to 22. As a result, the NRNA was divided according to the wish of political parties which will have long-term adverse impact on the entire organization.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA should not be divided on the basis of political affiliation and ideology. Their roadmap should be clear: prosperity of the country. If they want to engage in politics, they should not hesitate to enter politics directly instead of taking other NRNs for a ride to fulfill their political desire . </div> <div> </div> <div> If NRNA is sincere in its effort to develop the country and take it to the next level of development, members of the organization should pledge for the actions which they can deliver and abstain from making promises like politicians.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRNA can contribute to the country’s prosperity in positive manner in several ways: one, it can spread positive message about the country abroad; second, it can convince investors from the country where they are residing to invest in Nepal; third, transfer expertise and skills they acquire abroad; and fourth, promote tourism activities by visiting Nepal frequently.</div> <div> </div> <div> NRN, following the long established trend, has also started to blame the government as the sole causes of all the problems in the country. Instead of being involved in blame game, NRNs should engage themselves in productive work. </div> <div> </div> <div> Only thing the government can provide NRN is stable policy and environment conducive for investment. NRNs should not expect much from the government rather it should provide constructive suggestions and assistance in government’s development initiatives. </div> <div> </div> <div> Why do people respect NRNs? The answer is clear— they are expected to be more loyal to the country when compared to other foreign investors. So, they have added responsibilities towards the country like that of Non Resident Indians in India. They have contributed to Indian economy when the economic situation was adverse and foreign investors had been shying away to invest there. </div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, in spite of blaming the country’s economic situation, NRNs should float the option of best investment areas in the existing situation. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, we should not expect much from NRNs too. Most of the first generation NRNs has been residing abroad at present and they themselves are struggling to get established. Secondly, they should not come here and suffer loss and it is our duty to assure them the safety of their investment. Together we can lead the country on the road to prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-28', 'modified' => '2013-10-28', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In Nepal, politics is often blamed as a game to ruin every sort of well established cannon. Despite the fact that no one can live without political activities , the word ‘politics’ and ‘political parties’ do not have positive connotation due to inefficiency of politicians to deliver what they promise.', 'sortorder' => '1883', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 4 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1982', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Do Not Make The Country A Testing Ground', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly. </div> <div> </div> <div> As the fever of the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election has gone up, political parties are busy drafting and finalizing their election manifestos. Political parties, however, seem to be dubious in identifying what the new structure of the Nepali state should be. </div> <div> </div> <div> The common fear existing in the country is that political parties may push the country into further uncertainty in the name of adopting ‘our own model’ of federalism and democracy. There are lots of controversies among political parties, and within a single political party too, related to state restructuring. Political parties, which are supposed to raise class issue, have been raising ethnic agenda for the sake of their own benefit. On the other hand, the so-called democratic forces have been visionless and indecisive on various crucial issues including appropriate model to run the country. </div> <div> </div> <div> It is well-known fact that the first Constituent Assembly got dissolved without delivering a statute four years after the election. And it was because of lack of clarity among political parties whose last-hour consultations ended without an agreement on model of federalism. </div> <div> </div> <div> While ethnic-based federal units were seen by some as the only way to address the identity of marginalised communities, there were also fears that given Nepal’s complex ethnic, racial, linguistic and caste mosaic this would lead to fragmentation and conflict.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are differences among political forces in many crucial issues including federalism, number of province, model of the government, i.e., presidential vs parliamentarian. </div> <div> </div> <div> Political parties should not try to make the country a testing ground. It would be better to adopt any of established models of democracy instead of creating catchy phrases and ambiguous words in the name of ‘originality’.</div> <div> </div> <div> Political system may vary country to country. For instance, there are various political systems in various countries including US Presidential system, UK – Westminster parliamentary, German semi-parliamentary and French hybrid.</div> <div> </div> <div> But political parties in Nepal have been trying to mix up various practices from different political system. Mixing British Westminster parliamentary system with US presidential system or French model of political system may create confusion when it comes time to implement the model in practice. </div> <div> </div> <div> So, political parties should dare to speak out openly that adopting already tested political system will be more suitable in the country rather than opting for new test. The differences should be harnessed because all political parties, in principle, want prosperity and development of the country. All we need is sincere effort and genuine commitment from political parties. The bottom-line should be democracy and liberal economy; rest of the issues can be discussed and amended in the process of practicing democracy.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-21', 'modified' => '2013-10-21', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Political parties are still reluctant and inefficient to give a clear model for state restructuring though the election for the second Constituent Assembly (CA) is slated to be held next month. It is for sure that their dillydally in figuring out the clear model of state restructuring will cost the country dearly.', 'sortorder' => '1834', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 5 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1935', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Happy Dashain', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.</div> <div> </div> <div> The only difference this time around might be for the political parties who will, no doubt, be campaigning even during the festival. Dashain is a golden chance for the candidates contesting in the upcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election to connect directly with voters and convience them into their ideology and agenda by giving coveted gifts in return. Equally, people can take advantage of their advances by placing their queries and judging the efficiency of the candidates.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politics aside, there are many good aspects of Dashain as well as some bad practices. It is really difficult to celebrate Dashain for low-income families. Increasing inflation and lack of employment opportunities have hit the middle class population of the country. The culture of imitating others in celebrating Dashain will compel lower-income families to take loans. May this season bring some respite to all families living in acute poverty.</div> <div> </div> <div> Better off citizens should be aware of the social pressures unconsciously exerted upon others and be careful to celebrate responsibly. Excessive use of alcohol may create tension among neighbours and it should be avoided. People should also be alert regarding adulteration in food products and the possible compromises in hygiene during this period of high demand in traditional foods. The security agencies and government’s quality control mechanisms also should be careful to safeguard the people’s right to consume healthy food. Dashain being a festival that symbolises the victory of truth over evil, may this season bring conscience in business practices and the government’s responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> Dashain also acts as a social glue in our increasingly busy society. People observe the tika receiving ceremony as an opportunity to resume broken relations with their relatives and friends. The festival gives immense opportunity for relatives living abroad to come together as well. May this Dashain bring prosperity and joy to you and your family. Happy Dashain to all our readers!</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-10-07', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The festival of Dashain began from the fifth of October this year. While schools have already begun holidays, migrants in the valley have begun going back home to celebrate with family.', 'sortorder' => '1793', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 6 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1886', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Businessmen In Politics: A Good Mix?', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter. </div> <div> </div> <div> These questions will be raised during the second Constituent Assembly (CA) election in Nepal where many businessmen have expressed their interest to contest from different political parties. Further, some businessmen and organizations have already been in controversies due to their alleged involvement to lobby for particular candidates in the CA election.</div> <div> </div> <div> Generally, the issues among the business community should be common: environment for honest and genuine business, provision of a level playing field and assurance of private property, along with others.</div> <div> </div> <div> But in our context, it does not seem that businessmen want to enter politics to foster an environment conducive for business.</div> <div> </div> <div> There is a saying: honesty is the best policy. Businessmen should be honest. The current horserace to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list does not show the honesty of businessmen.</div> <div> </div> <div> Businessmen should dare to forge their own political parties if they want to be involved in politics or should announce openly that they will leave business to enter politics. The example of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra can be appropriate here.</div> <div> </div> <div> The greed of businessmen to get tickets to contest in the CA election or to be listed in the propotional representation list has tarnished the reputation of the business community. On the one hand, many accuse businessmen of bribing politicians to secure tickets. On the other, their open affiliation to political parties raises the question of misuse of power and power influence of power in their business activities.</div> <div> </div> <div> Preferably, businessmen should not enter politics when the stand of the business community is divided on major economic issues. How can a businessperson take an independent stand after his/her affiliation to a particular political party? These are some issues that need to be clarified by those willing to contest in the election.</div> <div> </div> <div> If businessmen want to be engaged in philanthropy, there are numerous ways to do so. Blatant use of money to get a ticket in the election and to be a member of the CA or parliament will do nothing more than tarnish the image of the private sector and pull the entire business community into controversy.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the end, businessmen should be clear that you can’t win elections with money alone. If that were true, all the big industrialists throughout the world would have been ruling their countries already.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-30', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'Are management principles that ensure success in business useful in politics? Can a successful businessman prove his worth in politics? Not always. The chances of failure always loom for the shapeshifter.', 'sortorder' => '1747', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 7 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1851', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Strengthening Tourism Strengthening Tourism', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<p> </p> <p> Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.</p> <p> The brightest aspect in Nepal’s tourism sector is the freewheeling tourism model of the private sector that caters to visitors of all segment. Given the natural and cultural strengths of Nepal, the tourism sector has for decades been viewed as one of the most important engines of growth and development, and as such, has been the key focus of the government.</p> <p> We are well aware of the physical beauty our country. Alongside the eight mountains among the world’s 10 highest peaks, the small but beautiful Pokhara offers adventure tourism and wonderful scenic views of its natural surroundings. The recently developed Great Himalayan Trail is well on its way to revitalising trekking. There is a vast potential for pilgrimage tourism to Doleshwar, Lumbini, Muktinath and Pashupatinath. Also, Chitwan gives, potentially, the finest wildlife experience in the world.</p> <p> Despite of all positive circumstances, Nepal has still a long way to go to tap full potential of tourism business. Nepal needs to raise service standards to promote tourism business. Nepal should take immediate tangible measures to promote tourism sector including creating a premium brand of experiential tourism apart from the existing value-for-money backpackers’ tourism, the positioning of exotic Nepal, upgrading tourism and hospitality infrastructure, adding a new international airport, additional terminals and new air-routes and domestic and foreign investments in tourism services.</p> <p> The world will soon celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27 – a day which is marked to raise awareness on the social, cultural, political and economic importance of tourism. So, it is relevant to talk about tourism. In order to emphasise the tourism potential in Nepal, The New Business Age (NBA) group organised the first edition of Tourism & Aviation Next 2013 conference last week aimed at exploring the country’s tourism potential.</p> <p> Top tourism officials, leaders of the tourism industry in Nepal along with some top honchos of the Malaysian and Indian tourism governance were present at the conclave which emphasised on some core issues regarded as crucial to boost the tourism industry of Nepal. Obviously, the conclave is just a beginning. There should be many such events to chart out the future of Nepal’s tourism sector since it is lucrative and has a high turnover. Sincere effort from the government and the private sector is a must to boost this sector. As well aware as we are of these advantages, it is time we channeled our energies to organizing more of such events to truly prioritize on improving tourism in Nepal.</p>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-23', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'Edits & Opinions cover story news & articles, cover story news & articles from Edits & Opinions nepal, cover story headlines from nepal, Edits & Opinions current and latest cover story news from nepal, Edits & Opinions economic news from nepal, nepali cover story economic news and events, ongoing', 'description' => 'Tourism not only provides great opportunities for employment in Nepal, it also brings in large amounts of revenue necessary to pay for the import of goods and services. The earning from the tourism sector is regarded as indispensable as compared to other sectors in Nepal, such as the manufacturing industry, are relatively underdeveloped. The sector is also a major foreign exchange earner in Nepal.', 'sortorder' => '1712', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 8 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1816', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'End Strike To Stimulate Economy', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.</div> <div> </div> <div> The general public and the entrepreneurs feel disappointed over the major political parties who have failed to resolve the conflict through mutual talks. Unfortunately, there is no respite at sight. With the approaching Constituent Assembly election in Nepal, it is for sure that disgruntled parties will call frequent strikes to exert pressure on the government to fulfill their demands.</div> <div> </div> <div> For instance, the country witnessed two general strikes last week clearly hinting that the business fraternity will suffer more if there is not political consensus against bandh. Though there are laws that empower the local authorities to punish those who go for organised bandhs, the authorities concerned are not invoking these laws, as most of the bandhs are called for political reasons.</div> <div> </div> <div> Almost all walks of life are victimized by general strikes. Besides, business community, the daily wage earners and small scale entrepreneurs are the major victims of such strikes. The market witnesses price hike to more than triple due to short supply of vegetables, and food grains.</div> <div> </div> <div> It undermines confidence in the country’s economy, and if we undermine confidence, we are destabilising investment. It is hitting our economy and yet this has not deterred the organizations or groups of people seeking ‘justice’ from going ahead with bandh or blockade.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a democratic country, every citizen may have the rights to protest against injustices meted out to them. But at the same time it should be recognized that ‘forced bandh’ violates human rights as well.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the economic realm, no more incitement to violence should be tolerated if we want prosperity in the country. The entrepreneurs have long been appealing the political parties to resolve the issue through dialogue as soon as possible. Nepal should be a bandh free zone, if we want double digit growth. Investors will shy away if there is frequent bandh in the country. There is an urgency to rethink the existing culture of bandh by the political parties.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-16', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'No-brainer that the Nepali industries, and the entire economy, bear a daily monetary loss in billions due to bandh. Nepal’s economy, which has been suffering due to lack of security, higher interest rates, and irregular power supply and liquidity crunch, will ultimately collapse if such general strikes are frequent.', 'sortorder' => '1677', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 9 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1775', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Nepal Leadership Summit', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.</div> <div> </div> <div> Industrial growth has been hanging near zero percent, the investment rate has declined, inflation is high, industrial growth is badly affected due to the energy crisis, causing companies to struggle on how to run businesses without a reliable source of electricity. </div> <div> </div> <div> In the aforementioned situation, collective effort is a must to achieve the double digit growth. New Business Age group and Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BiCCI) tried to find out a common solution for the existing economic slowdown.</div> <div> </div> <div> The NBA group and BiCCI jointly organized Nepal Leadership Summit: Roadmap of Economic Revolution: Vision 2080 BS in Nepal’s renowned industrial city Birgunj last week.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s five former Prime Minister since 1990 expressed their views on Nepal’s economic development. They also signed a 12-point Birgunj declaration showing their commitment to the economic revolution in Nepal giving private sector a leading role. The summit was historic in many respects. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, the summit was successful to bring together Nepal’s five former Prime Ministers who represent various political parties in a platform to discuss important economic issues. Second, it sought former PMs visions and agendas to address country’s existing adverse economic issues ranging from labour unrest to power deficit. Third, the summit also tried to figure out differences among politicians and make them convinced for the economic prosperity of the country. Last but not the least, politicians signed a 12-point pact showing their commitment to the long term economic development of the country which will be remembered as the Birgunj Declaration.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a fact that commitment is not enough. Leaders should be ready to translate their commitment into action. There is still a long struggle ahead when it comes to engaging the government to revive the Nepali economy. The country has yet to address economic concerns and map out a strategy with business community and international support to address country’s economic problems.</div> <div> </div> <div> In a positive sign to the country’s economic prosperity, all leaders pledged not to politicize economic agenda. They also stressed that Nepal is in a dire need of economic revolution after various political changes.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regardless of their political ideology, all leaders agreed to let private sector lead the country’s development and acknowledged the government’s role as catalyst. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal should focus on turning the optimism about the country’s future into real action. The mood should be changed from thinking of Nepal as a poor country to as a country that holds hope.</div> <div> </div> <div> It is a difficult task to implement the 12-point Birgunj Declaration but not impossible. One thing is for sure: ‘United we stand: divided we fall’. The need of the hour is sincere commitment from all political parties to drive the country into prosperity.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-09', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'It is not easy to envisage country’s bright economic future after 10 years of instability. In fact, country’s existing economic indicators are not very much positive though it has tremendous potential to take the path of progress and prosperity.', 'sortorder' => '1636', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 10 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1735', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Put Economy On Priority', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Sheer negligence towards the depreciation of currency would have been a major political issue, if Nepal had been a developed country, with high financial literacy. In Nepal, as evidences show, people do not think that politicians can address economic issues. On the other hand, even politicians do not take economic issues as their responsibility.</div> <div> </div> <div> But the country cannot go ahead with such ignorant politicians who do not care about the welfare of the country and its people. They should take economic issues seriously and put it in their election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> As election fever is gripping across the country, private sector has started parlays with political parties to apprise them convinced on economic issues. It is very necessary to produce a clear consensus plan for averting a looming economic crisis and it is not possible without political consensus.</div> <div> </div> <div> Fundamentally, the basic job of Constituent Assembly is to promulgate new constitution. Economic issues should not be ignored even in the new constitution. A guarantee of economic freedom should be clearly spell out the constitution and for that the politicians should start homework before the election. Importantly, it should be included in the election manifesto.</div> <div> </div> <div> In an ideal situation, we can make this country as beautiful as Switzerland. But dreaming something is not enough to achieve it. We have to take initiative to fulfill our dreams. The country cannot take the path of prosperity without clear economic roadmap and commitment from political sector. The economy can go ahead on its own pace if it is already on track. For instance, a political turmoil in Italy nominally affects the economic situation.</div> <div> </div> <div> Politicians should listen to private sector’s voice and give a clear economic roadmap so that they will be able to fulfill our collective dream of becoming rich and prosperous country. Election is not all about distributing illusion and giving catchy phrases to the people, rather it is the commitment towards the country.</div> <div> </div> <div> Now leaders should be clear enough on the key economic issues such as unemployment, labour unrest, hydropower, industrial growth, tourism etc. Private sector’s effort to create pressure for a better economy should be taken as a commendable move.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-09-02', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The Nepali political actors are completely indifferent towards economic issues and agenda. Despite some detour, the emphasis is still on the political agenda including electoral system, federalism, ethnicity etc. In the latest instance, they have not cleared their stand on the sharp depreciation of value of rupee and skyrocketed inflation.', 'sortorder' => '1596', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 11 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1697', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Economic Prosperity: Our Roadmap Ahead', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.</div> <div> </div> <div> In the last decade, high unemployment and lack of entrepreneurial opportunities posed serious challenges to Nepal’s transition. On the other hand, the country faced growing unresolved grievances caused by issues such as misappropriation of private property, rampant corruption and widening inequality.</div> <div> </div> <div> Yet, there is a silver lining. Despite a decade-long political turmoil and armed conflict, the country’s economy was successful enough to maintain its basic economic indicators in a positive direction. </div> <div> </div> <div> Many believe that Nepal can achieve prosperity if elections are held on time as political parties will agree on a common economic agenda to take the country into a prosperous future.</div> <div> </div> <div> Can economic prosperity be achieved in a country that reels under perennial problems? We think it can. Incredible natural resources have favoured the country for development. Now it is our turn to do a favour to our collective dream of becoming rich, prosperous and happy. We can achieve economic prosperity only if we put in collective effort. </div> <div> </div> <div> The desired need for economic growth must be a sincere commitment from all walks of life. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government is heading towards a dream of achieving the status of ‘developing country’ by 2022 through a three-year plan. Many suspect whether the Nepali economy can begin the journey of prosperity in the given circumstances. The experience of the last decade, however, shows that the country can achieve things if the CA election is held on time and if political parties are united on a common economic agenda.</div> <div> </div> <div> Despite political instability, Nepal has witnessed noticeable growth in all sectors during the last decade. In recent years, many banks and money transfer businesses have grown. Nepal was one of the highest receivers of remittance on the basis of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011.</div> <div> </div> <div> Be it the health and education sector or the manufacturing and industrial sector, the country has succeeded to achieve remarkable progress despite political instability.</div> <div> </div> <div> There are rays of hope also in the hydropower sector. Currently a power deficit country, the country will be in power surplus by 2018 if all ongoing projects are completed within the stipulated time. </div> <div> </div> <div> Most important of all for the desired level of growth is the leading role of the private sector in investment, production and distribution of all goods and services. Of course, state support is a need as is security and ground for fair-play. Guided by this philosophy, New Business Age co-organised a conclave on the growth debate in Kathmandu on 24th August, with the opportunity to recognise the contribution of the business sector to growth. This recognition came in the form of ten categories of business awards. </div> <div> </div> <div> For the sustained prosperity of the nation, we need to start modest and all big dreams will fall in line with the accomplishment of initial ones. If we achieve 7 per cent growth first, then a double-digit figure can soon follow. As in an essay by noted litterateur Laxmi Prasad Devkota entitled ‘Is Nepal Insignificant?’ where he eloquently writes about the prospects of Nepal, this country has tremendous potential for economic growth. But all we need to boost the country’s economy are commitment from the political leadership, positive thinking of the general public and sincere and genuine effort from the private sector.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-26', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'What are the elements that shape a country’s transition from volatile politics to stable democracy? All too often, policy analysts focus on the political process, while neglecting the vital role of economic reform in determining democratic success or failure.', 'sortorder' => '1558', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 12 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1649', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'For Regulated Poultry Farming', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.</div> <div> </div> <div> Running a poultry farm is not as easy an affair as we think. The ongoing bird-flu epidemic proves that. So, it is the poultry farmers association drafts a regulation and asks the government to promugalte it.government brought a separate policy to regulate poultry farming in Nepal. Poultry farming as of now is one of the most unscientific and unmanaged businesses in Nepal. Running farms without health and environmental regulations has been causing pollution to the detriment on public health and environment. Well managed farms have been avoiding the bird-flu problem.</div> <div> </div> <div> Regulating poultry farms is practiced all over the world. The Haryana state government in India, for instance, issued in June 2013a strict guideline for poultry farmers asking them to adopt modern sanitary methods to prevent contamination caused by solid, liquid and air pollution. The state government made it mandatory for poultry farms to make provisions of vegetative screens or barriers to slow airflow and/or redirect odour from the poultry away from human receptors.</div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal also needs a separate regulatory mechanism to ensure the safety of its citizens as unregulated poultry farms have affected public health in the country. Farms in the middle of residential areas and poultry sheds that stand by public roads, water streams and residential areas are common in the country. It is the government’s obligation of the poultry farmers and the government to protect the public from unwarranted health hazards due to unmanaged and unsystematic farms located in inappropriate places. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should promote large scale poultry farms in specific area in order to control disease like bird flu.introducing poultry insurance and encouraging farmers to get their farms insecured will be one solution. With insurance policy against bird flu or other hazards, the farmers will have no incentive to smuggle diseased birds to the market.</div> <div> </div> <div> Currently, the government has been providing a small amount of cash to farmers for culling bird flu-infected chicken. It would be a far better idea to create a separate fund to finance such insurance cost than providing compensation on an individual basis. </div> <div> </div> <div> The existing havoc of bird flu is not a one-time scenario. The country may face such problems in the future too. Therefore, government should regulate in the business in manner that will address health and environment safety in poultry farms would go a long way in further modernizing this business.</div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-19', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The poultry industry should formulate a proper regulation and get the government promugulate it to for healthy development of the industry.', 'sortorder' => '1510', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 13 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1604', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Need To Solve PDA Issues', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard. </div> <div> </div> <div> First, foreign investors want sovereign guarantee from the government due to bad financials of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) which is suffering from the problem of inefficiency and in adequate resource to convince big investors. Sovereign guarantee is a guarantee by the Government that all obligations will be fulfilled if the primary obliger goes into default. NEA is responsible to fulfill all the obligations at present but technically bankrupt NEA cannot convince any investors at present. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors shy away from investing in Nepal until the country introduces a provision that can keep investors in confidence and sovereign guarantee is such a provision.</div> <div> </div> <div> Similarly, the government has to take appropriate measures in several other issues to attract more investment in hydro sector. </div> <div> </div> <div> The government should convince foreign investors that they will be protected against foreign exchange risks when repatriating their earnings. It should also clarify its stand on signing Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in convertible currency. </div> <div> </div> <div> Foreign investors often blame the government for not facilitating in foreign currency exchange process. The process to get permission to repatriate dividend and sales proceeds takes long time, according to investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> Such provision compels investors to face hassles and feel discouraged to invest in the concerned sector. The government has to create comfortable environment to invest in hydro sector without any delay. </div> <div> </div> <div> Another bone of contention between the government and private sector regarding PDA issues is termination payment. Investors say there is no clear provision for termination payment which has created a kind of fear among investors. </div> <div> </div> <div> In case of termination, investors need to be assured that they do not lose money and receive adequate compensation. The government should make payment in the eventuality of termination events. There should be provision of Termination Payment in PDA, so that investors are not in loss, in case they have to terminate the investment due to events beyond their control. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal’s hydro sector can take a big leap forward only when the government is ready to revise all troublesome legal provision on these and other matters.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-12', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'The government’s hesitation to solve Power Development Agreement (PDA) issues pertaining to sovereign guarantee, foreign exchange risks and termination payment has hit the entire hydro sector hard.', 'sortorder' => '1465', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ), (int) 14 => array( 'Article' => array( 'id' => '1557', 'article_category_id' => '144', 'title' => 'Transparency In Political Finance', 'sub_title' => '', 'summary' => null, 'content' => '<div> <span style="font-size: 12px;">In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections. The party has announced its commitment also to accept donation through cheque. </span></div> <div> </div> <div> The announcement may have provided relief to business community. It is a common practice around the world that political parties collect funds from donation to build and sustain the organisation, to train party cadres and fight elections. Equally important fact is that the sources of such funding undeniably influence the behaviour of the funded party if it comes to power. So this issue impacts directly on democratic rights. </div> <div> </div> <div> Principally, the major share of funding should be from voluntary contribution but that is not happening in Nepal. Almost all political parties tend to amass cash by force. Forceful donation drive by political parties has become common phenomenon and has terrorized the entire business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> The recent announcement of Nepali Congress has provided strong ground to business community to bring donation issue in public domain. Other political parties should be ready to do the same. As public political institutions, political parties should be proactive to disclose their information to public and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels. </div> <div> </div> <div> On the other hand, all political parties should be ready for the public audit of their income and expenditure since transparency is considered the hallmark of democracy. Political parties should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations. </div> <div> </div> <div> Against this backdrop, it is high time to address the demand for public disclosure of political finances because: 1) it helps prevent financial abuse during election, and 2) it is necessary to promote healthy political competition. </div> <div> </div> <div> We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. The US agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented, and discloses the same to the public and the media. Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same. </div> <div> </div> <div> Transparency in donation also helps boost morale of country’s business community that has faced many hassles to adjust their account because they were forced to provide donation in such a way that they could not keep any record of such donation. Political parties should ensure that election is not an event to terrorize business community. </div> <div> </div> <div> Nepal needs to set up a mechanism that can make for accountability on the sources and utilisation of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to promise the much-needed change since the country is ready to go for new CA election.</div> <div> </div>', 'published' => true, 'created' => '2013-08-05', 'modified' => '0000-00-00', 'keywords' => 'the corporate weekly from Nepal, nepali corporate events – news – interviews – reviews, nepali corporate focus, nepali corporate status and news, news from nepali corporate industry, corporate happenings – events – news from nepal', 'description' => 'In a commendable move, Nepali Congress has recently promised that it is ready to reveal sources of funds it collects for the coming elections.', 'sortorder' => '1418', 'image' => null, 'article_date' => '0000-00-00 00:00:00', 'homepage' => false, 'breaking_news' => false, 'main_news' => false, 'in_scroller' => false, 'user_id' => '0' ) ) ) $current_user = null $logged_in = false $xml = falsesimplexml_load_file - [internal], line ?? include - APP/View/Elements/side_bar.ctp, line 133 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::_renderElement() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 1224 View::element() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 418 include - APP/View/Articles/index.ctp, line 157 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 968 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 200 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 117
| Currency | Unit |
Buy | Sell |
| U.S. Dollar | 1 | 121.23 | 121.83 |
| European Euro | 1 | 131.65 | 132.31 |
| UK Pound Sterling | 1 | 142.47 | 143.18 |
| Swiss Franc | 1 | 124.29 | 124.90 |
| Australian Dollar | 1 | 71.69 | 72.05 |
| Canadian Dollar | 1 | 83.90 | 84.32 |
| Japanese Yen | 10 | 10.94 | 11.00 |
| Chinese Yuan | 1 | 17.17 | 17.26 |
| Saudi Arabian Riyal | 1 | 32.27 | 32.43 |
| UAE Dirham | 1 | 33.01 | 33.17 |
| Malaysian Ringgit | 1 | 27.36 | 27.50 |
| South Korean Won | 100 | 9.77 | 9.82 |
Update: 2020-03-25 | Source: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB)
| Fine Gold | 1 tola | 77000.00 |
| Tejabi Gold | 1 tola | 76700.00 |
| Silver | 1 tola | 720.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
Source: Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association
| Petrol | 1 Liter | 106.00 |
| Diesel | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| Kerosene | 1 Liter | 95.00 |
| LP Gas | 1 Cylinder | 1375.00 |
Update : 2020-03-25
