Participants at the ‘Gantabya Gandaki’ programme, organised by the Kantipur Media Group in Pokhara on Wednesday, stressed the importance of long-term planning and investments in critical sectors such as education, health, employment, and tourism to ensure sustainable development and economic growth in Nepal.

Speaking at the event, industrialist Niranjan Shrestha, executive director of Laxmi Group, highlighted the need for immediate action to secure a prosperous future. “Where we stand today is the result of decisions made 20 years ago. To achieve significant progress 20 years from now, we must begin investing today,” he said during the session titled ‘Education, health, and employment.’ Shrestha emphasised that fostering startups and creating opportunities for individuals aged 16 and above could pave the way for economic independence and growth.

Empowering women through local employment

Ramkali Khadka, executive director of the Women’s Skills Development Organisation in Pokhara, called for government interventions to prevent unskilled women from seeking employment abroad. She proposed allocating budgetary support to create domestic job opportunities.

“Educated individuals find opportunities in Europe, but uneducated women are often forced to work in Gulf countries under difficult conditions. The government must prioritise local employment to address this issue,” she said during the session on ‘Education, health, and employment.’

Khadka also urged the government to provide initial grants or interest-free loans to women entrepreneurs and ensure equal access to subsidies. Highlighting the potential of Nepal’s handicraft sector, she noted that over 1 million people are engaged in the industry, contributing more than Rs12 billion annually.

Tourism transformed by road connectivity

The session ‘Adventurous journeys, dream destinations’ featured insights into Nepal’s evolving tourism landscape. Laxmi Gurung, owner of Yak Donald’s in Mustang, explained how improved road infrastructure has diversified tourism in regions like Mustang and Manang.

“Previously limited to trekking, tourism has now expanded to include road trips, cycling, and other activities, bringing in more visitors,” she said. Gurung noted that tourism services in the region are provided equitably to both domestic and international travellers.

Expanding Nepal’s tourism narrative

Tourism entrepreneur Pratik Raj Pahari emphasised the importance of promoting stories beyond Nepal’s iconic mountains. He argued that narratives about safety, cultural richness, and unique experiences could attract a wider range of visitors.

“Nepal is a safe destination for women and independent travellers. We must highlight these stories to draw more tourists,” he said. Pahari also underlined the potential for destination weddings in scenic locations like Pokhara, advocating for targeted marketing to enhance Nepal’s global appeal.

The discussions concluded with a shared vision of integrating agriculture, handicrafts, and tourism while addressing gaps in education and employment to achieve sustainable development and economic prosperity in Gandaki Province and beyond.