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Political Commitment Necessary For Development

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--By Ashok Baidya
 
We have made an effort to bring the former prime ministers in the same platform for a meaningful dialogue and discourse on country’s overall economic development. This is probably a first of its type in the history of Nepal. I am really delighted to welcome the former prime ministers, who are at the helm of the country, in Birgung- a city known as the main entrance as well as the economic capital of the country. 
 
We are not going to hold a political debate by bringing top leaders of the political parties in this economic and industrial hub. Rather, we are seeking a political commitment for the nation’s economic development.
 
Water, as a form of white gold, is flowing from our rivers. Provided that we utilize this water, we can easily get rid of the chronic power deficit. This will also ensure high economic growth, trade balance and earning of foreign currencies. However, instead of considering the hydropower as a matter of business, it’s a bitter reality that hydropower projects are facing political hindrances. 
 
On the other hand, Nepal is projected as a best destination for tourism by United Nations including other international organizations. However, the number of tourists in our markets has not exceeded one million per annum yet.
 
The major reason behind all these economic problems is political instability and inconsistent policies. It is obvious that there exist of many political parties with diverse orientations in a country with multiparty democratic system. But complete and frequent changes in the whole policy resulting from the government changes is rarely see in any other country.
 
The investors shy away from investing in the countries with instable politics and economy. Apart from these problems, our country is reeling under the power deficit and labour unrest, among other economic ordeals. Despite a high minimum wage compared to other South Asian countries, Nepal is yet to observe the normalcy in the labour sector. Thus, if productions are to be increased and investment is to be lured, a high level consensus is imperative on the fundamental issues of the economy. I would like to request to all former prime ministers from this forum for a common agreement on the fundamental agenda of the economy.
 
Birgunj is a strong pillar of our economy. 70 per cent of country’s total industrial investments are in Birgunj-Pathlaiya corridor. But the government has inflicted injustice to the Birgunj-Pathlaiya region by not declaring this region as an industrial corridor.  Along with a demand to declare this region as industrial corridor, we demand with the government that Birgunj be declared as economic capital. We have also brought a concept of a greater Birgunj to develop this city as the country’s economic capital. The concept brought for the overall development of Birgunj aims to increase the economic and industrial activities at a high rate and build infrastructures to the par of complete metropolitan by 2080. I would like to request former prime ministers to realize the importance of this comprehensive plan and act towards materializing it. This program would not been a success without the participation of prime ministers. I would like to thank you from my inner heart for your presence. 
 
(Views expressed by Baidya during Nepal Leadership Summit.)
 

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