The third session of the ‘Lumbiniko Samarthya’ discussed the state of the economy and measures to improve economic indicators.

The third session had Maha Prasad Adhikari, governor of Nepal Rastra Bank; Dr Govinda Raj Pokharel, former vice-chair of National Planning Commission; Sonali Gurung, managing director of IT Group of Industries Rupandehi; Krishna Prasad Sharma, Lumbini province chair of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries as speakers on the topic ‘Obstacles in Economy’.

Former NPC vice-chair Govinda Raj Pokharel suggested the Lumbini provincial government to focus on enhancing the skills and capacities of human resources in the province.

Pokharel said the budget expenditure on the development works is worrisome.

“We are also failing in capital expenditure. Due to political intervention, national projects are taking a lot of time to complete,” said Pokharel.

Sonali Gurung, managing director of IT Group of Industries Rupandehi, said emerging businesses are having a tough time due to high interest rates.

The speakers also stressed the strengthening of the private sector to improve the economic condition of the country. Gurung said that the government and the banks and financial institutions should be flexible enough to encourage the private sector.

Lumbini Province Chair of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries Krishna Prasad Sharma stressed enhancing the capacities of the private sector to make the economy more lively.

“We are over-dependent on imports, our domestic production is minimal. The government should focus on strengthening the capabilities of the private sector to meet the demands from domestic production,” said Sharma.

Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said a clear indication has appeared that the interest rates will come down in the near future. He requested customers to reach out to the grievance management system of the central bank in case of any complaints regarding banks and financial institutions.

Social Bureau Chief of Kantipur Daily Suresh Raj Neupane moderated the session.