Miscellaneous
Breakthrough in few days: PM Koirala
Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has said the bitter relations and atmosphere of distrust among the political parties would fizzle out soon leading to breakthrough in few days.Addressing the 15th annual general meeting of Nepal Trans-Himalya Borders Commerce Association here on Saturday, Prime Minister Koirala said, "We will sit for dialogue to wipe out distrust among us within one to two days."
"I've reached to Prachanda-ji's residence and urged him for talks. Also, I've talked to him over phone. He has said yes for talks. I am in hope for meaningful talks within one to two days. Where can we go brushing aside the discussion and talks?" said the PM.
According to the PM, constitution is the need of hour, but not strike and shutdown. The constitution should be written in a way that all Nepali people would feel ownership on it.
The constitution, as he said, was essential to protect achievements of the federal republic gained through the people's movement.
The PM admitted that the country was still backward for not unlocking the potential of economic development. However, the government has now created favourable atmosphere for the investment. Saying this, he urged the investors to invest being unperturbed.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat said no development project would be hindered just reasoning the budget crunch. The government has given top priority to the economic discipline and good governance, he added.
Time has come for the private sectors to show work. The culture of strike and shutdown must be ended forever, stressed the Finance Minister Mahat.
Similarly, Minister for Industry, Mahesh Basnet, said the Ministry has adopted the policy to protect and promote the domestic industries to reduce imports.
Vice-Chairperson of the Federation of Nepalsese Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dinesh Shrestha and Chairman of Chambers of Commerce, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, demanded the government to review the tax administration and bring the industry development act.
Chairman of the Trans-Himalya Borders Commerce Association, Nilkanth Chaulagain, complained the constraints in the business as of exorbitant rent of storehouse at Lhasa, problem of load and unload, inconvenient transportation in the border area, and narrow roads.
According to the Association, Nepal's trade loss with China has reached Rs 76 billion. Among the total trade in the country, the trade with China is 10 percent.