NEWS

NEPSE Posts Gain of 14.33 Points to Close at 1980.27

Apr 28, 2024 0 1 minutes 14 seconds to read

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on…

CNI President Highlights Nepal's Conducive Investment Climate at Investment Summit

Apr 28, 2024 0 4 minutes 53 seconds to read

April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in…

FNCCI President Urges Investors to Explore Nepal's Potential Sectors

Apr 28, 2024 0 2 minutes 16 seconds to read

April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal's burgeoning…

Nepal is Committed to Liberal Economic Policy: PM Dahal

Apr 28, 2024 0 2 minutes 46 seconds to read

April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from…

President Issues Ordinance to Facilitate Investment

Apr 28, 2024 0 44 seconds to read

April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081. …

Ordinance for Amending Investment-Friendly Laws Likely Today

Apr 28, 2024 0 6 minutes 28 seconds to read

April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an…

Former NRB Governor Advises Govt to Live up to the Commitments made to the Investors

Apr 28, 2024 0 1 minutes 58 seconds to read

April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment…

Prime Minister Inaugurates Third Investment Summit

Apr 28, 2024 0 1 minutes 30 seconds to read

April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country's economic…

Govt to Seek Letters of Intent for 20 Projects during the Third Investment Summit

Apr 28, 2024 0 3 minutes 23 seconds to read

April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects—mostly hydropower projects—at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on…

Third Investment Summit Kicks off Today

Apr 28, 2024 0 1 minutes 38 seconds to read

The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country's economic progress and…

Breakthrough of Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project Expected on May 8

Apr 27, 2024 0 3 minutes 55 seconds to read

April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project’s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough.…

IBN Confirms 1,600 Participants for Investment Summit

Apr 27, 2024 0 1 minutes 44 seconds to read

April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on…

Vaccines Saved at Least 154 Million Lives in 50 Years: WHO

Apr 26, 2024 0 5 minutes 29 seconds to read

April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were…

IBN to Present 151 Projects for FDI in Third Investment Summit

Apr 26, 2024 0 1 minutes 54 seconds to read

April 26: The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and…

CMT Resort of Bharatpur gets Three-Star Rating

Apr 26, 2024 0 2 minutes 33 seconds to read

April 26: Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star…

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The Sweet Rewards of Power

By Madan Lamsal

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NEPSE

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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEPSE Posts Gain of 14.33 Points to Close at 1980.27',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">April 28: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">During today&rsquo;s trading session, 308 different stocks were traded in the NEPSE through 48,183 transactions. The total volume of shares traded stood at 6,878,159, resulting in a total turnover of Rs. 2.68 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) led the turnover amount with a turnover of Rs. 13.05 Crore, closing at a market price of Rs. 665.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Similarly, Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) saw the highest gain of 9.02%, followed by Progressive Finance Limited (PROFL) with a gain of 7.62%.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, only one sector Index closed in negative territory. The finance Index experienced the maximum gain of 3.98% while the Trading Index incurred the loss of 0.34%.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'CNI President Highlights Nepal's Conducive Investment Climate at Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit in Kathmandu on Sunday, he urged the foreign investors to invest in Nepal as there is ample possibilities in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the summit marks a pivotal moment in our nation&#39;s journey towards prosperity and growth, the CNI President Agrawal said: &quot;Nepal, with its abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and strategic location, presents a wealth of opportunities for investors seeking to make a positive impact while achieving sustainable returns.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He stated that Nepal offers a fertile ground for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth from tourism to technology, infrastructure development to renewable energy, education to healthcare, and extended a warm welcome to investors from around the world, inviting them to explore the myriad investment prospects that Nepal has to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The CNI president called on investors to seize this moment to capitalize on the momentum generated by this summit and translate it into tangible investments that drive job creation, infrastructure development, and socio-economic progress, urging them to explore the diverse array of opportunities that Nepal offers across various sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Nepal&#39;s unparalleled natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan range and diverse cultural heritage, makes it a prime destination for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists. With a strategic focus on sustainable tourism practices, there is significant room for investment in eco-friendly accommodations, adventure tourism services, and infrastructure development,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;As the country continues to invest in improving connectivity and promoting its unique attractions, the tourism industry is poised for substantial growth, providing lucrative opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on Nepal&#39;s burgeoning tourism market.&rdquo;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Agrawal, Nepal has been making strides to position itself as an emerging IT hub in the South Asian region. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;Nepal&#39;s exports of IT services experienced an extraordinary surge, reaching a remarkable figure of USD 515.4 million in the year 2022. This significant achievement catapulted IT services to the forefront, emerging as the country&#39;s top exportable product. It has opened doors to new opportunities, fueled by a rich pool of talent and a conducive business environment.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He added that hydropower represents a crucial sector for investment in Nepal, given its abundant water resources and the potential to generate clean energy.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Investments in the development of hydropower infrastructure not only contribute to Nepal&#39;s energy security but also offer export opportunities to neighboring countries, he further stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, Nepal holds untapped potential for investors across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, tea, real estate, and textiles. In the education sector, there is a unique opportunity to establish Nepal as an education hub, leveraging its cultural richness and serene environment. Investing in world-class educational institutions, research facilities, and vocational training centers can attract both domestic and international students. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;By developing a robust educational ecosystem, investors can contribute to shaping Nepal as a knowledge destination, fostering intellectual growth and socio-economic development.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Agrawal pointed out that healthcare presents a significant investment avenue, with the potential to establish Nepal as a medical hub. Investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, specialized treatment centers, and research institutions can not only cater to the local population but also attract medical tourists from neighboring countries, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The country&#39;s serene environment can offer a conducive setting for recovery and wellness, making it an appealing destination for medical tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;I am glad to share you all that the government has responded to the requests of private sectors such as CNI by amending various laws and regulations. It brings me great satisfaction to recognize and commend the proactive measures taken by the government through recent amendments in a multitude of laws and regulations. These actions underscore the government&#39;s unwavering commitment to nurturing a conducive investment climate within the country. The amendments, enacted through ordinances, signify a forward-looking approach aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business.&quot;&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'FNCCI President Urges Investors to Explore Nepal's Potential Sectors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal's burgeoning economy.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal&#39;s burgeoning economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit 2024, he emphasized the country&#39;s colossal untapped sectors and its potential as an investment destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhakal highlighted Nepal&#39;s strategic location between the economic powerhouses of China and India, underscoring its significance as a gateway to vast markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He emphasized the abundant opportunities across various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and ICT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The FNCCI president particularly highlighted the immense potential in renewable energy, citing recent agreements for power trade with India and Bangladesh as indicators of Nepal&#39;s capability in hydropower generation and regional trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also underscored the need for modern infrastructure in tourism, agriculture, and technology sectors to harness Nepal&#39;s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and young, dynamic workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Moreover, Dhakal emphasized the importance of investing in technical education to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled human resources, thereby boosting both domestic employment and remittance inflows.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He commended the government&#39;s efforts in implementing business-friendly policies and initiatives to facilitate foreign investment, including recent amendments and bilateral investment agreements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Highlighting FNCCI&#39;s role in boosting investors&rsquo; confidence through international business summits in New Delhi, Beijing, and Dubai, Dhakal assured continuous support and commitment from the private sector for joint ventures in all potential areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He shared his belief in Nepal&#39;s emerging growth story and encouraged forging partnerships to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal is Committed to Liberal Economic Policy: PM Dahal   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The prime minister made this remark while inaugurating the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 in Kathmandu on Sunday. On the occasion, the PM asserted that there are immense opportunities for investment in Nepal and it has potential for investment from the legal, geographical and strategic perspective as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that Nepal is fully committed to a liberal economic policy, he reassured that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. The prime minister said Nepal is continuously moving ahead towards creating a friendly environment for the investors, industrialists, entrepreneurs and innovators. In this connection, he added, eight various laws related to business and investment have been amended.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Meanwhile, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has asserted that Nepal is an attractive destination for international investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Finance Minister, the key objectives of the Summit are: To project Nepal as an emerging destination for private sector investment; to highlight recent reforms in enhancing the investment climate and ensuring regulatory frameworks that support foreign as well as domestic investment, to showcase a wide range of projects across different sectors, including investment-ready projects; to facilitate productive negotiations and come up with a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between investors and stakeholders, advancing project development and management objectives; and to provide a platform for networking opportunities among the policymakers, investors, experts and other stakeholders to share ideas and views as well as encourage joint ventures in areas such as industry and infrastructure development.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said Nepal&rsquo;s investment regime is now liberal in terms of sectors open for foreign investment, tax policies and repatriation of earnings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to main opposition party leader, foreign investment is protected by domestic law and various international instruments to which Nepal is a signatory to. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20830',
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			'title' => 'President Issues Ordinance to Facilitate Investment   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The President issued the ordinance upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with the Article 114 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, states a communiqu&eacute; signed by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, the spokesperson at the Office of the President.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The ordinance was issued to facilitate investors in the context of the Third Investment Summit that kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.&nbsp; -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'title' => 'Ordinance for Amending Investment-Friendly Laws Likely Today',
			'sub_title' => 'Government Fails to Conduct Credit Rating ahead of Investment Summit',
			'summary' => 'April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">However, even the ordinance could not be issued by the eve of the summit on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to an official at the President&#39;s Office, the investment ordinance passed by the Council of Ministers on April 22 has finally reached the President&#39;s Office.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">President Ram Chandra Paudel&#39;s legal adviser Baburam Kunwar said that the ordinance sent by the government reached the President&#39;s Office only on Friday night. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;We have almost completed studying the ordinance. We hardly have any objection to it. The ordinance is likely to be issued by the President on Sunday,&quot; Kunwar told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had been working since a long time to amend the laws to facilitate foreign investment but failed to amend the laws ahead of the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government&rsquo;s commitment to make the investment summit fruitful has been questioned due to the delay in sending the ordinance to the President&rsquo;s Office. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government has decided to amend about a dozen laws through the ordinance. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The laws to be amended include Land Act 2021, Forests Act 2070, Industrial Enterprises Act 2076, Special Economic Zone Act 2073, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075 among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Reforming these laws allows investors to acquire land beyond the limit to set up industries. Likewise, the government can approve the use of forest areas to extract minerals. The amended laws allows transferring technology from Nepal to foreign countries. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, said that although the investors have keen interest in legal reform, the ordinance has not been issued on time. &ldquo;This did not give a positive message to the investors,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;Before investing, investors give a special attention to the laws of the respective countries. They plan their investment accordingly. It is not appropriate to delay amending the laws,&quot; he said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Private sector stakeholders are skeptical about the two-day Investment Summit underway in Kathmandu since Sunday as the ordinance was not issued even by Saturday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepali Congress, the main opposition party in the Parliament, expressed its displeasure saying that the government did not amend some important laws directly related to the country and the people through the parliamentary process. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;The government&#39;s act of issuing an ordinance to amend laws targeting the investment summit which was scheduled months ago is against the spirit of the constitution, parliamentary system and democracy. The government decided to issue the ordinance by misinterpreting the provision of the constitution that allows the government to issue an ordinance in extraordinary situation when the federal parliament is not in session,&quot; reads a statement issued by Nepali Congress chief whip Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government, which has repeatedly announced to undertake the country&rsquo;s sovereign ratings before investment summit, has failed to do so. As the investment summit kicked off on Sunday, the government has failed to take the investors into confidence by conducting the country&rsquo;s credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The sovereign credit rating depicts the picture of the country&#39;s financial situation and credit repayment capacity. It is a kind of credit assessment that gives the real information about the country&#39;s investment risk situation. Foreign investors have taken it as a prerequisite for investment. Due to lack of crediting rating, Nepal has not been able to take commercial loans for large infrastructure projects from international development partners.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In order to increase foreign investment, the government had announced a sovereign credit rating in the budget of the fiscal year 2075/76. The government issued a public notice in this regard and invited the companies for credit rating of Nepal. Fitch, Moody&#39;s and Standard &amp; Poor&#39;s, the world&#39;s three major rating companies, submitted proposals for the rating. From among them, the government selected Fitch Ratings for the country&rsquo;s credit rating. For that, a separate agreement regarding technical assistance was also signed with the then British International Cooperation Agency (DFID) currently known as UK Aid. The government has appointed Standard Chartered Bank as the rating consultant. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government decided not to move ahead with the credit rating due to the Covid-19 pandemic fearing that it would send a negative message to the international community as the indicators of the economy were negative due to the impacts of the pandemic.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government recently announced to go ahead with the credit rating. Former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat and incumbent Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun had been repeatedly saying that the government would undertake the credit rating before the investment summit. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Fitch Ratings had expressed its commitment to complete the credit rating within three months but it has not yet started the rating.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Admitting that the country rating could not be done before the investment summit, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Narayan Prasad Risal, told New Business Age, &quot;We tried but the work could not be completed. It is not yet possible to say how long it will take for the country rating.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20829',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Former NRB Governor Advises Govt to Live up to the Commitments made to the Investors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Talking to RSS on the eve of the Nepal Investment Summit (April 28-29) on Saturday, Kshetry stressed that the government should assure potential investors with all sorts of facilities to them as per its commitments. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We should not believe that investors will come to invest haphazardly. Investors turn ready to pour their money into new area if they are convinced of a conducive environment,&quot; he shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite having abundant capital for investment, investors will use their conscience and get ready to take a risk upon the assessment of relative comparative benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We face a capital crisis. Again, unfortunately, the limited capital allotted by the government through the budget has remained frozen. In this situation, the government should convince foreign investors that it yearns to introduce technologies and management skills in addition to capital through the Investment Summit,&quot; the former Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) governor said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Nepal has not been yet able to ensure a sovereign credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are yet to audit the country&#39;s situation for receiving loans which is the need of the hour. Potential investors always calculate the objective situation before deciding to invest,&rdquo; Kshetry reminded.&nbsp; -- &nbsp;RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20827',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Prime Minister Inaugurates Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country's economic progress.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the summit amidst a special programme at Soaltee Hotel on Sunday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">One hundred and fifty-one projects will be presented in the summit. According to the Investment Board of Nepal, more than 1600 investors from over 55 countries are participating in the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The IBN informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects during the conference. Similarly, the government will seek concept notes for 19 projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the event will witnesses inauguration session and two major sessions. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The investors will have opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The First Investment Summit was organized on March 2-3, 2017 and the Second Investment Summit on March 29 and 30, 2019.&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20826',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Seek Letters of Intent for 20 Projects during the Third Investment Summit ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects—mostly hydropower projects—at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects&mdash;mostly hydropower projects&mdash;at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During the two-day mega event, the government will solicit letters of intent from both domestic and foreign investors for the projects whose feasibility studies have been completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Dhulikhel Medicity Project is one the projects for which the government will seek letter of intent. Under this project, the government plans to construct a super-special hospital to develop a medical tourism hub.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As outlined in the project proposal, the super-special hospital will be located at Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk, with an estimated cost of Rs 11 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government will also seek letter of intent for the Sudurpaschim Public Transport Project. It aims to improve public transportation in Kailali, Kanchanpur, and Doti districts of Sudurpaschim Province. The project requires 173 buses, including 104 electric vehicles, with an estimated cost of Rs 31.13 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Naumure Multi-Purpose Project, with an estimated cost of Rs 92 billion, is also in the list. As per the proposal, a total of 281.04 MW of electricity would be generated by the project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Khimti Those Shivalaya Reservoir-based Hydropower is another such to be built on the border of Dolakha and Ramechhap districts. It is the largest hydropower project with an estimated cost of Rs 289 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Humla Karnali Hydropower Project, a 61.2 MW project, will be located at Namkha rural municipality of Humla district. The cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 14.70 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 53.85 MW, is estimated to require an investment of Rs 11.90 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Panchkhal Special Economic Zone in Panchkhal municipality aims to create jobs by promoting economic activities. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1.57 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Kabadikhola Hydropower Project, to be located at a mountainous area on the border of Bajura and Humla districts, is proposed to be operated in a BOOT model. It requires an investment of Rs 6.41 billion. The feasibility study for the project was completed in 2020.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another hydropower project to be showcased during the Investment Summit is the reservoir-based Kaligandaki-II hydropower project. The total estimated investment for the project is Rs 174 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another reservoir-based government undertaking -- Bharbung Hydropower Project &ndash; with a capacity to generate 377MW of electricity is listed for showcasing for a letter of intent at the two-day event.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In addition to the hydropower projects, the government is presenting a range of other projects and inviting proposals for consideration. These projects include the Pokhara International Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, Daiji Industrial Zone, Babarmahal Administrative Plaza, Mahadev Stream Reservoir, Karnali-Chisapani Wind Energy Project, Chandragiri-Chitwan Expressway, Janaki Heritage Hotel and Cultural Village, and Dhaubadi Iron Mine and Excavation Project.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20825',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Third Investment Summit Kicks off Today',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country's economic progress and prosperity. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 28: The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress and prosperity.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The government is showcasing 151 projects. The event slated to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &#39;Prachanda&#39; will see participation of over 1600 investors from 55 plus countries.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Nepal Investment Board has informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects in the conference. Similarly, concept notes would be called for 19 projects. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The first day will witness inauguration session and two major sessions. The investors will be provided opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">Private sector, partner of economic development, is the co-organizer of the event. Several noted international figures including Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, State Minister for UK Asia Pacific Affairs, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, UNCTAD Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan, and Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, Luo Zhaohui will address the summit.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Similarly, Vice President of ADB, Yingming Yang Acting, Vice Chair of Asian Infrastructures Investment Bank, Rajit Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Shreevastav, Executive Director of ITC India, Supratim Datta, and Senior Vice Chair of US Chamber of Commerce, Atul Keshap are other speakers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">In the same vein, former Prime Minister and major opposition party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Finance Minister and summit convention committee director, Barsha Man Pun, and leaders of Nepali business community will also address the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20824',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Breakthrough of Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project Expected on May 8',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project’s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project&rsquo;s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. The breakthrough ceremony of the tunnel of the national pride project is scheduled for May 8.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The project aims to provide year-round irrigation facilities to various districts of Terai-Madhesh. According to Mitra Baral, head of the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project, only a small segment of the 13.3 km-long tunnel remains to be completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will attend the breakthrough&nbsp; ceremony, with other key officials including&nbsp; Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Finance Barshman Pun.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite a construction timeline of two years, the tunnel has been almost completed in just 19 months. If not for delays caused by geological complexity, the work could have been completed even earlier.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the construction of the tunnel has been almost complete, other project components like the dam and power plant still require another year to complete.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Project Head Baral said that the tunnel construction involved using an Automatic Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), a technology also used in the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nepal Electricity Authority&rsquo;s Managing Director Kulman Ghising said that the state-owned power utility is considering using TBM technology in other projects, including the Dudhkoshi and Upper Arun Hydropower Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), has instructed the project officials to stay on project site, and ensure smooth progress of the project, with no further delays. The MoEWRI has instructed the project to submit progress reports every 15 days.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Baral, the head of the project, the construction of the project started on October 14, 2022. The goal is to complete the project by October 2027.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The construction entrepreneurs involved in the construction of the dam and powerhouse have not been able to work as per the schedule. The government has time and again instructed the builders to improve their performance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Necessary preparations are being made for the construction of a powerhouse and transmission line. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the transmission line has been completed. A part of the currently operational BP Highway will be affected by the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project. About 900 meters of diversion should be built on the currently operational highway.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Under this project, the Sunkoshi River flowing through the border of Sindhuli and Ramechhap districts in Kandhungi will be diverted to Marin Khola.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">About 67 cusecs of water from Sunkoshi will be pumped into the Marin River at Kusumtar, Kamalamai Municipality-2 of Sindhuli through a tunnel. The water will be used to irrigate about 122,000 hectares of land in Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Bara. Likewise, the project will also generate 31.07 megawatts of electricity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tunnel construction of the project was done by the China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC). According to the contractors, the construction of the dam and powerhouse will be completed within the stipulated time even if there is some delay. A joint venture of Indian company Patel Engineering and Nepal&#39;s Raman Group has been entrusted with the construction of the dam.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">After the completion of the project, irrigation facilities will be available throughout the year in the five districts of Mid-Terai, which are considered as the major grain producing areas. It will bring a qualitative change in food production. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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			'id' => '20823',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'IBN Confirms 1,600 Participants for Investment Summit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the IBN, it extended invitations to over 2,400 persons. Investors from 55 countries will be joining the summit while there will be 385 participants from Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 265 will be representing China followed by 143 from India, 33 from the US, 28 from Japan, 14 from the UK, 13 from Bangladesh, 13 from the UAE, and 10 from Germany.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, nine each will be arriving from South Korea, Australia, and Malaysia, eight from Pakistan, six from Singapore, and five each from Qatar and Ghana.&nbsp; Four each will be representing Saudi Arabia, France, and Bahrain in the summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Likewise, three each will be attending the summit from Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Austria, Sri Lanka, and Colombia, and two each from the Philippines, Kuwait, Canada, Mauritius, Belarus, and Belgium.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;The participation has been confirmed from Egypt, Italy, Norway, Senegal, the Netherlands, Poland, Indonesia, Tajikistan, South Africa, Romania, Mexico and Cyprus. Investors from Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Bosnia, Morocco, Turkey, Vanuatu, Mauritania, and Hong Kong will also be attending the Summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A total of 150 projects will be showcased at the summit, featuring 23 stalls.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the summit will have the opening session followed by two major sessions. The second and final day will feature 11 parallel sessions. -- RSS</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20822',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Vaccines Saved at Least 154 Million Lives in 50 Years: WHO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That is the equivalent of six lives saved every minute of every year of the half century, AFP quoted the UN health agency as saying.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to AFP, WHO gave a comprehensive analysis of the impact of 14 vaccines used under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in a study published in the Lancet.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Thanks to these vaccines, &quot;a child born today is 40 percent more likely to see their fifth birthday than a child born 50 years ago&quot;, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventable,&quot; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Smallpox has been eradicated, polio is on the brink, and with the more recent development of vaccines against diseases like malaria and cervical cancer, we are pushing back the frontiers of disease.&quot;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Infants accounted for 101 million of the lives saved through immunisation over the five decades, said the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Immunisation was the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood,&quot; WHO said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>&nbsp;&#39;Vaccines cause adults&#39; </strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Over 50 years, vaccines against 14 diseases -- diphtheria, Haemophilus influenza type B, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis A, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever -- had directly contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40 percent, the study found.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For Africa, the reduction in infant mortality was more than 50 percent, it said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The vaccine against measles -- a highly contagious disease by a virus that attacks mainly children -- had the most significant impact.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That jab accounted for 60 percent of the lives saved due to immunisation, according to the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The polio vaccine means that more than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The study also showed that when a vaccine saves a child&#39;s life, that person goes on to live an average of 66 years of full health on average -- with a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained over the five decades.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines cause adults,&quot; Tedros said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">WHO stressed that the gains in childhood survival showed the importance of protecting progress on immunisation.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It highlighted accelerating efforts to reach 67 million children who missed at least one vaccination during the Covid pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The UN health agency, along with the UN children&#39;s agency Unicef, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Wednesday launched a joint campaign called &quot;Humanly Possible&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is aimed at scaling up vaccination programmes around the world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;By working together we can save millions more lives, advance equity and create a much healthier and more prosperous world,&quot; Violaine Michell of the Gates Foundation told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;<strong>Anti-vax threat</strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">But efforts to ensure broader vaccine coverage have increasingly run into anti-vax movements and conspiracy theories circulating on social media.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This was particularly clear during the Covid pandemic, but it has also taken its tolls on efforts to avert measles outbreaks.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;There has been a very significant backsliding in the use of the measles vaccine and the coverage that has been achieved in countries around the world, and that is resulting in outbreaks,&quot; WHO vaccine chief Kate O&#39;Brien told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 2022, the last year for which there are clear statistics, more than nine million measles cases were registered around the world, including 136,000 children who died.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lack of access to the vaccines was a major concern, said O&#39;Brien, but part of the backsliding was attributable to &quot;misinformation and anti-vax movements&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;The measles vaccine is a safe vaccine, and it&#39;s highly effective,&quot; she insisted, stressing the need to ramp up efforts against &quot;one of the most infectious viruses that infect humans&quot;. -- AFP</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20821',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'IBN to Present 151 Projects for FDI in Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29. The summit aims to facilitate the implementation of projects aimed at boosting the economy, including the establishment of factories and industries by attracting foreign direct investment in these sectors.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the overall development of the country. Stakeholders say it is imperative to combine foreign investment with government and private sector investments to ensure adequate capital, technology, and human resources for the successful execution of these projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The 58th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal has resolved to issue calls for letters of intent and engage in extensive discussions with investors regarding the showcased projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Of the projects to be presented at the summit, the energy sector dominates with thirty-one projects up for investment, as confirmed by the board&#39;s spokesperson, Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay. Additionally, there are nineteen projects related to the transport sector, thirteen each in the mining and minerals, and tourism sectors, fourteen in agriculture, five in production, seven in industrial infrastructure and trade, three in health and education, two in communications and information technology, four in water supply, and six in urban development.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the private sector is also presenting thirty-one projects for foreign direct investment during the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Upadhyay noted that the government places significant importance on private sector investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI). -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20820',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'CMT Resort of Bharatpur gets Three-Star Rating',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">CMT Resort, operating on an area of 72,900 sq.&nbsp;feet, has received three-star rating from the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Madan Ghimire, the managing director of the resort, informed that this is the first resort in the Bharatpur metropolitan city to receive three-star recognition.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is being operated by a board of directors team of five people with&nbsp;a collective investment of people involved in various professions and businesses.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort accommodates a 12,300 square feet town hall that can accommodate more than 2,000 people, a&nbsp;2,790 square feet meeting hall that can accommodate 500 people, a&nbsp;1,881 square feet hall that can accommodate 200 people, a 350 square feet conference hall and business halls, and an open kitchen.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has 45 rooms with state-of-the-art facilities. Likewise, the resort provides direct employment to 85 individuals and indirect jobs to some.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Food items produced by local farmers are the specialty of the resort.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has good parking space, a&nbsp;swimming pool, and garden facilities.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is connected to Mahendra Highway and can be reached in 5 minutes from Bharatpur Airport. According to managing director Ghimire, a separate charging point has also been installed for EVs (electric vehicles) on the resort premises.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEPSE Posts Gain of 14.33 Points to Close at 1980.27',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">April 28: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">During today&rsquo;s trading session, 308 different stocks were traded in the NEPSE through 48,183 transactions. The total volume of shares traded stood at 6,878,159, resulting in a total turnover of Rs. 2.68 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) led the turnover amount with a turnover of Rs. 13.05 Crore, closing at a market price of Rs. 665.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Similarly, Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) saw the highest gain of 9.02%, followed by Progressive Finance Limited (PROFL) with a gain of 7.62%.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, only one sector Index closed in negative territory. The finance Index experienced the maximum gain of 3.98% while the Trading Index incurred the loss of 0.34%.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'CNI President Highlights Nepal's Conducive Investment Climate at Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit in Kathmandu on Sunday, he urged the foreign investors to invest in Nepal as there is ample possibilities in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the summit marks a pivotal moment in our nation&#39;s journey towards prosperity and growth, the CNI President Agrawal said: &quot;Nepal, with its abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and strategic location, presents a wealth of opportunities for investors seeking to make a positive impact while achieving sustainable returns.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He stated that Nepal offers a fertile ground for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth from tourism to technology, infrastructure development to renewable energy, education to healthcare, and extended a warm welcome to investors from around the world, inviting them to explore the myriad investment prospects that Nepal has to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The CNI president called on investors to seize this moment to capitalize on the momentum generated by this summit and translate it into tangible investments that drive job creation, infrastructure development, and socio-economic progress, urging them to explore the diverse array of opportunities that Nepal offers across various sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Nepal&#39;s unparalleled natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan range and diverse cultural heritage, makes it a prime destination for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists. With a strategic focus on sustainable tourism practices, there is significant room for investment in eco-friendly accommodations, adventure tourism services, and infrastructure development,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;As the country continues to invest in improving connectivity and promoting its unique attractions, the tourism industry is poised for substantial growth, providing lucrative opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on Nepal&#39;s burgeoning tourism market.&rdquo;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Agrawal, Nepal has been making strides to position itself as an emerging IT hub in the South Asian region. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;Nepal&#39;s exports of IT services experienced an extraordinary surge, reaching a remarkable figure of USD 515.4 million in the year 2022. This significant achievement catapulted IT services to the forefront, emerging as the country&#39;s top exportable product. It has opened doors to new opportunities, fueled by a rich pool of talent and a conducive business environment.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He added that hydropower represents a crucial sector for investment in Nepal, given its abundant water resources and the potential to generate clean energy.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Investments in the development of hydropower infrastructure not only contribute to Nepal&#39;s energy security but also offer export opportunities to neighboring countries, he further stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, Nepal holds untapped potential for investors across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, tea, real estate, and textiles. In the education sector, there is a unique opportunity to establish Nepal as an education hub, leveraging its cultural richness and serene environment. Investing in world-class educational institutions, research facilities, and vocational training centers can attract both domestic and international students. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;By developing a robust educational ecosystem, investors can contribute to shaping Nepal as a knowledge destination, fostering intellectual growth and socio-economic development.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Agrawal pointed out that healthcare presents a significant investment avenue, with the potential to establish Nepal as a medical hub. Investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, specialized treatment centers, and research institutions can not only cater to the local population but also attract medical tourists from neighboring countries, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The country&#39;s serene environment can offer a conducive setting for recovery and wellness, making it an appealing destination for medical tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;I am glad to share you all that the government has responded to the requests of private sectors such as CNI by amending various laws and regulations. It brings me great satisfaction to recognize and commend the proactive measures taken by the government through recent amendments in a multitude of laws and regulations. These actions underscore the government&#39;s unwavering commitment to nurturing a conducive investment climate within the country. The amendments, enacted through ordinances, signify a forward-looking approach aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business.&quot;&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20832',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'FNCCI President Urges Investors to Explore Nepal's Potential Sectors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal's burgeoning economy.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal&#39;s burgeoning economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit 2024, he emphasized the country&#39;s colossal untapped sectors and its potential as an investment destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhakal highlighted Nepal&#39;s strategic location between the economic powerhouses of China and India, underscoring its significance as a gateway to vast markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He emphasized the abundant opportunities across various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and ICT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The FNCCI president particularly highlighted the immense potential in renewable energy, citing recent agreements for power trade with India and Bangladesh as indicators of Nepal&#39;s capability in hydropower generation and regional trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also underscored the need for modern infrastructure in tourism, agriculture, and technology sectors to harness Nepal&#39;s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and young, dynamic workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Moreover, Dhakal emphasized the importance of investing in technical education to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled human resources, thereby boosting both domestic employment and remittance inflows.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He commended the government&#39;s efforts in implementing business-friendly policies and initiatives to facilitate foreign investment, including recent amendments and bilateral investment agreements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Highlighting FNCCI&#39;s role in boosting investors&rsquo; confidence through international business summits in New Delhi, Beijing, and Dubai, Dhakal assured continuous support and commitment from the private sector for joint ventures in all potential areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He shared his belief in Nepal&#39;s emerging growth story and encouraged forging partnerships to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20831',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal is Committed to Liberal Economic Policy: PM Dahal   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The prime minister made this remark while inaugurating the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 in Kathmandu on Sunday. On the occasion, the PM asserted that there are immense opportunities for investment in Nepal and it has potential for investment from the legal, geographical and strategic perspective as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that Nepal is fully committed to a liberal economic policy, he reassured that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. The prime minister said Nepal is continuously moving ahead towards creating a friendly environment for the investors, industrialists, entrepreneurs and innovators. In this connection, he added, eight various laws related to business and investment have been amended.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Meanwhile, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has asserted that Nepal is an attractive destination for international investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Finance Minister, the key objectives of the Summit are: To project Nepal as an emerging destination for private sector investment; to highlight recent reforms in enhancing the investment climate and ensuring regulatory frameworks that support foreign as well as domestic investment, to showcase a wide range of projects across different sectors, including investment-ready projects; to facilitate productive negotiations and come up with a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between investors and stakeholders, advancing project development and management objectives; and to provide a platform for networking opportunities among the policymakers, investors, experts and other stakeholders to share ideas and views as well as encourage joint ventures in areas such as industry and infrastructure development.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said Nepal&rsquo;s investment regime is now liberal in terms of sectors open for foreign investment, tax policies and repatriation of earnings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to main opposition party leader, foreign investment is protected by domestic law and various international instruments to which Nepal is a signatory to. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20830',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'President Issues Ordinance to Facilitate Investment   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The President issued the ordinance upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with the Article 114 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, states a communiqu&eacute; signed by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, the spokesperson at the Office of the President.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The ordinance was issued to facilitate investors in the context of the Third Investment Summit that kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.&nbsp; -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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			'id' => '20828',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Ordinance for Amending Investment-Friendly Laws Likely Today',
			'sub_title' => 'Government Fails to Conduct Credit Rating ahead of Investment Summit',
			'summary' => 'April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">However, even the ordinance could not be issued by the eve of the summit on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to an official at the President&#39;s Office, the investment ordinance passed by the Council of Ministers on April 22 has finally reached the President&#39;s Office.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">President Ram Chandra Paudel&#39;s legal adviser Baburam Kunwar said that the ordinance sent by the government reached the President&#39;s Office only on Friday night. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;We have almost completed studying the ordinance. We hardly have any objection to it. The ordinance is likely to be issued by the President on Sunday,&quot; Kunwar told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had been working since a long time to amend the laws to facilitate foreign investment but failed to amend the laws ahead of the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government&rsquo;s commitment to make the investment summit fruitful has been questioned due to the delay in sending the ordinance to the President&rsquo;s Office. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government has decided to amend about a dozen laws through the ordinance. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The laws to be amended include Land Act 2021, Forests Act 2070, Industrial Enterprises Act 2076, Special Economic Zone Act 2073, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075 among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Reforming these laws allows investors to acquire land beyond the limit to set up industries. Likewise, the government can approve the use of forest areas to extract minerals. The amended laws allows transferring technology from Nepal to foreign countries. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, said that although the investors have keen interest in legal reform, the ordinance has not been issued on time. &ldquo;This did not give a positive message to the investors,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;Before investing, investors give a special attention to the laws of the respective countries. They plan their investment accordingly. It is not appropriate to delay amending the laws,&quot; he said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Private sector stakeholders are skeptical about the two-day Investment Summit underway in Kathmandu since Sunday as the ordinance was not issued even by Saturday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepali Congress, the main opposition party in the Parliament, expressed its displeasure saying that the government did not amend some important laws directly related to the country and the people through the parliamentary process. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;The government&#39;s act of issuing an ordinance to amend laws targeting the investment summit which was scheduled months ago is against the spirit of the constitution, parliamentary system and democracy. The government decided to issue the ordinance by misinterpreting the provision of the constitution that allows the government to issue an ordinance in extraordinary situation when the federal parliament is not in session,&quot; reads a statement issued by Nepali Congress chief whip Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government, which has repeatedly announced to undertake the country&rsquo;s sovereign ratings before investment summit, has failed to do so. As the investment summit kicked off on Sunday, the government has failed to take the investors into confidence by conducting the country&rsquo;s credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The sovereign credit rating depicts the picture of the country&#39;s financial situation and credit repayment capacity. It is a kind of credit assessment that gives the real information about the country&#39;s investment risk situation. Foreign investors have taken it as a prerequisite for investment. Due to lack of crediting rating, Nepal has not been able to take commercial loans for large infrastructure projects from international development partners.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In order to increase foreign investment, the government had announced a sovereign credit rating in the budget of the fiscal year 2075/76. The government issued a public notice in this regard and invited the companies for credit rating of Nepal. Fitch, Moody&#39;s and Standard &amp; Poor&#39;s, the world&#39;s three major rating companies, submitted proposals for the rating. From among them, the government selected Fitch Ratings for the country&rsquo;s credit rating. For that, a separate agreement regarding technical assistance was also signed with the then British International Cooperation Agency (DFID) currently known as UK Aid. The government has appointed Standard Chartered Bank as the rating consultant. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government decided not to move ahead with the credit rating due to the Covid-19 pandemic fearing that it would send a negative message to the international community as the indicators of the economy were negative due to the impacts of the pandemic.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government recently announced to go ahead with the credit rating. Former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat and incumbent Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun had been repeatedly saying that the government would undertake the credit rating before the investment summit. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Fitch Ratings had expressed its commitment to complete the credit rating within three months but it has not yet started the rating.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Admitting that the country rating could not be done before the investment summit, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Narayan Prasad Risal, told New Business Age, &quot;We tried but the work could not be completed. It is not yet possible to say how long it will take for the country rating.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-28 12:52:17',
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	(int) 6 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20829',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Former NRB Governor Advises Govt to Live up to the Commitments made to the Investors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Talking to RSS on the eve of the Nepal Investment Summit (April 28-29) on Saturday, Kshetry stressed that the government should assure potential investors with all sorts of facilities to them as per its commitments. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We should not believe that investors will come to invest haphazardly. Investors turn ready to pour their money into new area if they are convinced of a conducive environment,&quot; he shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite having abundant capital for investment, investors will use their conscience and get ready to take a risk upon the assessment of relative comparative benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We face a capital crisis. Again, unfortunately, the limited capital allotted by the government through the budget has remained frozen. In this situation, the government should convince foreign investors that it yearns to introduce technologies and management skills in addition to capital through the Investment Summit,&quot; the former Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) governor said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Nepal has not been yet able to ensure a sovereign credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are yet to audit the country&#39;s situation for receiving loans which is the need of the hour. Potential investors always calculate the objective situation before deciding to invest,&rdquo; Kshetry reminded.&nbsp; -- &nbsp;RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20827',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Prime Minister Inaugurates Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country's economic progress.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the summit amidst a special programme at Soaltee Hotel on Sunday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">One hundred and fifty-one projects will be presented in the summit. According to the Investment Board of Nepal, more than 1600 investors from over 55 countries are participating in the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The IBN informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects during the conference. Similarly, the government will seek concept notes for 19 projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the event will witnesses inauguration session and two major sessions. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The investors will have opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The First Investment Summit was organized on March 2-3, 2017 and the Second Investment Summit on March 29 and 30, 2019.&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
',
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20826',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Seek Letters of Intent for 20 Projects during the Third Investment Summit ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects—mostly hydropower projects—at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects&mdash;mostly hydropower projects&mdash;at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During the two-day mega event, the government will solicit letters of intent from both domestic and foreign investors for the projects whose feasibility studies have been completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Dhulikhel Medicity Project is one the projects for which the government will seek letter of intent. Under this project, the government plans to construct a super-special hospital to develop a medical tourism hub.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As outlined in the project proposal, the super-special hospital will be located at Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk, with an estimated cost of Rs 11 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government will also seek letter of intent for the Sudurpaschim Public Transport Project. It aims to improve public transportation in Kailali, Kanchanpur, and Doti districts of Sudurpaschim Province. The project requires 173 buses, including 104 electric vehicles, with an estimated cost of Rs 31.13 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Naumure Multi-Purpose Project, with an estimated cost of Rs 92 billion, is also in the list. As per the proposal, a total of 281.04 MW of electricity would be generated by the project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Khimti Those Shivalaya Reservoir-based Hydropower is another such to be built on the border of Dolakha and Ramechhap districts. It is the largest hydropower project with an estimated cost of Rs 289 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Humla Karnali Hydropower Project, a 61.2 MW project, will be located at Namkha rural municipality of Humla district. The cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 14.70 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 53.85 MW, is estimated to require an investment of Rs 11.90 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Panchkhal Special Economic Zone in Panchkhal municipality aims to create jobs by promoting economic activities. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1.57 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Kabadikhola Hydropower Project, to be located at a mountainous area on the border of Bajura and Humla districts, is proposed to be operated in a BOOT model. It requires an investment of Rs 6.41 billion. The feasibility study for the project was completed in 2020.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another hydropower project to be showcased during the Investment Summit is the reservoir-based Kaligandaki-II hydropower project. The total estimated investment for the project is Rs 174 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another reservoir-based government undertaking -- Bharbung Hydropower Project &ndash; with a capacity to generate 377MW of electricity is listed for showcasing for a letter of intent at the two-day event.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In addition to the hydropower projects, the government is presenting a range of other projects and inviting proposals for consideration. These projects include the Pokhara International Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, Daiji Industrial Zone, Babarmahal Administrative Plaza, Mahadev Stream Reservoir, Karnali-Chisapani Wind Energy Project, Chandragiri-Chitwan Expressway, Janaki Heritage Hotel and Cultural Village, and Dhaubadi Iron Mine and Excavation Project.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20825',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Third Investment Summit Kicks off Today',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country's economic progress and prosperity. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 28: The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress and prosperity.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The government is showcasing 151 projects. The event slated to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &#39;Prachanda&#39; will see participation of over 1600 investors from 55 plus countries.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Nepal Investment Board has informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects in the conference. Similarly, concept notes would be called for 19 projects. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The first day will witness inauguration session and two major sessions. The investors will be provided opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">Private sector, partner of economic development, is the co-organizer of the event. Several noted international figures including Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, State Minister for UK Asia Pacific Affairs, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, UNCTAD Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan, and Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, Luo Zhaohui will address the summit.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Similarly, Vice President of ADB, Yingming Yang Acting, Vice Chair of Asian Infrastructures Investment Bank, Rajit Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Shreevastav, Executive Director of ITC India, Supratim Datta, and Senior Vice Chair of US Chamber of Commerce, Atul Keshap are other speakers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">In the same vein, former Prime Minister and major opposition party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Finance Minister and summit convention committee director, Barsha Man Pun, and leaders of Nepali business community will also address the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-28 09:32:35',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20824',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Breakthrough of Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project Expected on May 8',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project’s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project&rsquo;s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. The breakthrough ceremony of the tunnel of the national pride project is scheduled for May 8.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The project aims to provide year-round irrigation facilities to various districts of Terai-Madhesh. According to Mitra Baral, head of the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project, only a small segment of the 13.3 km-long tunnel remains to be completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will attend the breakthrough&nbsp; ceremony, with other key officials including&nbsp; Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Finance Barshman Pun.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite a construction timeline of two years, the tunnel has been almost completed in just 19 months. If not for delays caused by geological complexity, the work could have been completed even earlier.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the construction of the tunnel has been almost complete, other project components like the dam and power plant still require another year to complete.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Project Head Baral said that the tunnel construction involved using an Automatic Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), a technology also used in the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nepal Electricity Authority&rsquo;s Managing Director Kulman Ghising said that the state-owned power utility is considering using TBM technology in other projects, including the Dudhkoshi and Upper Arun Hydropower Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), has instructed the project officials to stay on project site, and ensure smooth progress of the project, with no further delays. The MoEWRI has instructed the project to submit progress reports every 15 days.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Baral, the head of the project, the construction of the project started on October 14, 2022. The goal is to complete the project by October 2027.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The construction entrepreneurs involved in the construction of the dam and powerhouse have not been able to work as per the schedule. The government has time and again instructed the builders to improve their performance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Necessary preparations are being made for the construction of a powerhouse and transmission line. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the transmission line has been completed. A part of the currently operational BP Highway will be affected by the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project. About 900 meters of diversion should be built on the currently operational highway.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Under this project, the Sunkoshi River flowing through the border of Sindhuli and Ramechhap districts in Kandhungi will be diverted to Marin Khola.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">About 67 cusecs of water from Sunkoshi will be pumped into the Marin River at Kusumtar, Kamalamai Municipality-2 of Sindhuli through a tunnel. The water will be used to irrigate about 122,000 hectares of land in Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Bara. Likewise, the project will also generate 31.07 megawatts of electricity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tunnel construction of the project was done by the China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC). According to the contractors, the construction of the dam and powerhouse will be completed within the stipulated time even if there is some delay. A joint venture of Indian company Patel Engineering and Nepal&#39;s Raman Group has been entrusted with the construction of the dam.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">After the completion of the project, irrigation facilities will be available throughout the year in the five districts of Mid-Terai, which are considered as the major grain producing areas. It will bring a qualitative change in food production. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20823',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'IBN Confirms 1,600 Participants for Investment Summit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the IBN, it extended invitations to over 2,400 persons. Investors from 55 countries will be joining the summit while there will be 385 participants from Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 265 will be representing China followed by 143 from India, 33 from the US, 28 from Japan, 14 from the UK, 13 from Bangladesh, 13 from the UAE, and 10 from Germany.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, nine each will be arriving from South Korea, Australia, and Malaysia, eight from Pakistan, six from Singapore, and five each from Qatar and Ghana.&nbsp; Four each will be representing Saudi Arabia, France, and Bahrain in the summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Likewise, three each will be attending the summit from Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Austria, Sri Lanka, and Colombia, and two each from the Philippines, Kuwait, Canada, Mauritius, Belarus, and Belgium.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;The participation has been confirmed from Egypt, Italy, Norway, Senegal, the Netherlands, Poland, Indonesia, Tajikistan, South Africa, Romania, Mexico and Cyprus. Investors from Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Bosnia, Morocco, Turkey, Vanuatu, Mauritania, and Hong Kong will also be attending the Summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A total of 150 projects will be showcased at the summit, featuring 23 stalls.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the summit will have the opening session followed by two major sessions. The second and final day will feature 11 parallel sessions. -- RSS</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20822',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Vaccines Saved at Least 154 Million Lives in 50 Years: WHO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That is the equivalent of six lives saved every minute of every year of the half century, AFP quoted the UN health agency as saying.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to AFP, WHO gave a comprehensive analysis of the impact of 14 vaccines used under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in a study published in the Lancet.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Thanks to these vaccines, &quot;a child born today is 40 percent more likely to see their fifth birthday than a child born 50 years ago&quot;, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventable,&quot; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Smallpox has been eradicated, polio is on the brink, and with the more recent development of vaccines against diseases like malaria and cervical cancer, we are pushing back the frontiers of disease.&quot;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Infants accounted for 101 million of the lives saved through immunisation over the five decades, said the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Immunisation was the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood,&quot; WHO said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>&nbsp;&#39;Vaccines cause adults&#39; </strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Over 50 years, vaccines against 14 diseases -- diphtheria, Haemophilus influenza type B, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis A, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever -- had directly contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40 percent, the study found.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For Africa, the reduction in infant mortality was more than 50 percent, it said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The vaccine against measles -- a highly contagious disease by a virus that attacks mainly children -- had the most significant impact.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That jab accounted for 60 percent of the lives saved due to immunisation, according to the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The polio vaccine means that more than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The study also showed that when a vaccine saves a child&#39;s life, that person goes on to live an average of 66 years of full health on average -- with a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained over the five decades.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines cause adults,&quot; Tedros said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">WHO stressed that the gains in childhood survival showed the importance of protecting progress on immunisation.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It highlighted accelerating efforts to reach 67 million children who missed at least one vaccination during the Covid pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The UN health agency, along with the UN children&#39;s agency Unicef, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Wednesday launched a joint campaign called &quot;Humanly Possible&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is aimed at scaling up vaccination programmes around the world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;By working together we can save millions more lives, advance equity and create a much healthier and more prosperous world,&quot; Violaine Michell of the Gates Foundation told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;<strong>Anti-vax threat</strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">But efforts to ensure broader vaccine coverage have increasingly run into anti-vax movements and conspiracy theories circulating on social media.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This was particularly clear during the Covid pandemic, but it has also taken its tolls on efforts to avert measles outbreaks.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;There has been a very significant backsliding in the use of the measles vaccine and the coverage that has been achieved in countries around the world, and that is resulting in outbreaks,&quot; WHO vaccine chief Kate O&#39;Brien told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 2022, the last year for which there are clear statistics, more than nine million measles cases were registered around the world, including 136,000 children who died.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lack of access to the vaccines was a major concern, said O&#39;Brien, but part of the backsliding was attributable to &quot;misinformation and anti-vax movements&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;The measles vaccine is a safe vaccine, and it&#39;s highly effective,&quot; she insisted, stressing the need to ramp up efforts against &quot;one of the most infectious viruses that infect humans&quot;. -- AFP</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20821',
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			'title' => 'IBN to Present 151 Projects for FDI in Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29. The summit aims to facilitate the implementation of projects aimed at boosting the economy, including the establishment of factories and industries by attracting foreign direct investment in these sectors.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the overall development of the country. Stakeholders say it is imperative to combine foreign investment with government and private sector investments to ensure adequate capital, technology, and human resources for the successful execution of these projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The 58th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal has resolved to issue calls for letters of intent and engage in extensive discussions with investors regarding the showcased projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Of the projects to be presented at the summit, the energy sector dominates with thirty-one projects up for investment, as confirmed by the board&#39;s spokesperson, Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay. Additionally, there are nineteen projects related to the transport sector, thirteen each in the mining and minerals, and tourism sectors, fourteen in agriculture, five in production, seven in industrial infrastructure and trade, three in health and education, two in communications and information technology, four in water supply, and six in urban development.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the private sector is also presenting thirty-one projects for foreign direct investment during the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Upadhyay noted that the government places significant importance on private sector investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI). -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'title' => 'CMT Resort of Bharatpur gets Three-Star Rating',
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			'summary' => 'April 26: Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">CMT Resort, operating on an area of 72,900 sq.&nbsp;feet, has received three-star rating from the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Madan Ghimire, the managing director of the resort, informed that this is the first resort in the Bharatpur metropolitan city to receive three-star recognition.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is being operated by a board of directors team of five people with&nbsp;a collective investment of people involved in various professions and businesses.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort accommodates a 12,300 square feet town hall that can accommodate more than 2,000 people, a&nbsp;2,790 square feet meeting hall that can accommodate 500 people, a&nbsp;1,881 square feet hall that can accommodate 200 people, a 350 square feet conference hall and business halls, and an open kitchen.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has 45 rooms with state-of-the-art facilities. Likewise, the resort provides direct employment to 85 individuals and indirect jobs to some.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Food items produced by local farmers are the specialty of the resort.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has good parking space, a&nbsp;swimming pool, and garden facilities.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is connected to Mahendra Highway and can be reached in 5 minutes from Bharatpur Airport. According to managing director Ghimire, a separate charging point has also been installed for EVs (electric vehicles) on the resort premises.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20834',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'NEPSE Posts Gain of 14.33 Points to Close at 1980.27',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">April 28: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">During today&rsquo;s trading session, 308 different stocks were traded in the NEPSE through 48,183 transactions. The total volume of shares traded stood at 6,878,159, resulting in a total turnover of Rs. 2.68 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) led the turnover amount with a turnover of Rs. 13.05 Crore, closing at a market price of Rs. 665.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Similarly, Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) saw the highest gain of 9.02%, followed by Progressive Finance Limited (PROFL) with a gain of 7.62%.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, only one sector Index closed in negative territory. The finance Index experienced the maximum gain of 3.98% while the Trading Index incurred the loss of 0.34%.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20833',
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			'title' => 'CNI President Highlights Nepal's Conducive Investment Climate at Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit in Kathmandu on Sunday, he urged the foreign investors to invest in Nepal as there is ample possibilities in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the summit marks a pivotal moment in our nation&#39;s journey towards prosperity and growth, the CNI President Agrawal said: &quot;Nepal, with its abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and strategic location, presents a wealth of opportunities for investors seeking to make a positive impact while achieving sustainable returns.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He stated that Nepal offers a fertile ground for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth from tourism to technology, infrastructure development to renewable energy, education to healthcare, and extended a warm welcome to investors from around the world, inviting them to explore the myriad investment prospects that Nepal has to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The CNI president called on investors to seize this moment to capitalize on the momentum generated by this summit and translate it into tangible investments that drive job creation, infrastructure development, and socio-economic progress, urging them to explore the diverse array of opportunities that Nepal offers across various sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Nepal&#39;s unparalleled natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan range and diverse cultural heritage, makes it a prime destination for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists. With a strategic focus on sustainable tourism practices, there is significant room for investment in eco-friendly accommodations, adventure tourism services, and infrastructure development,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;As the country continues to invest in improving connectivity and promoting its unique attractions, the tourism industry is poised for substantial growth, providing lucrative opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on Nepal&#39;s burgeoning tourism market.&rdquo;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Agrawal, Nepal has been making strides to position itself as an emerging IT hub in the South Asian region. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;Nepal&#39;s exports of IT services experienced an extraordinary surge, reaching a remarkable figure of USD 515.4 million in the year 2022. This significant achievement catapulted IT services to the forefront, emerging as the country&#39;s top exportable product. It has opened doors to new opportunities, fueled by a rich pool of talent and a conducive business environment.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He added that hydropower represents a crucial sector for investment in Nepal, given its abundant water resources and the potential to generate clean energy.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Investments in the development of hydropower infrastructure not only contribute to Nepal&#39;s energy security but also offer export opportunities to neighboring countries, he further stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, Nepal holds untapped potential for investors across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, tea, real estate, and textiles. In the education sector, there is a unique opportunity to establish Nepal as an education hub, leveraging its cultural richness and serene environment. Investing in world-class educational institutions, research facilities, and vocational training centers can attract both domestic and international students. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;By developing a robust educational ecosystem, investors can contribute to shaping Nepal as a knowledge destination, fostering intellectual growth and socio-economic development.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Agrawal pointed out that healthcare presents a significant investment avenue, with the potential to establish Nepal as a medical hub. Investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, specialized treatment centers, and research institutions can not only cater to the local population but also attract medical tourists from neighboring countries, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The country&#39;s serene environment can offer a conducive setting for recovery and wellness, making it an appealing destination for medical tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;I am glad to share you all that the government has responded to the requests of private sectors such as CNI by amending various laws and regulations. It brings me great satisfaction to recognize and commend the proactive measures taken by the government through recent amendments in a multitude of laws and regulations. These actions underscore the government&#39;s unwavering commitment to nurturing a conducive investment climate within the country. The amendments, enacted through ordinances, signify a forward-looking approach aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business.&quot;&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'FNCCI President Urges Investors to Explore Nepal's Potential Sectors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal's burgeoning economy.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal&#39;s burgeoning economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit 2024, he emphasized the country&#39;s colossal untapped sectors and its potential as an investment destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhakal highlighted Nepal&#39;s strategic location between the economic powerhouses of China and India, underscoring its significance as a gateway to vast markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He emphasized the abundant opportunities across various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and ICT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The FNCCI president particularly highlighted the immense potential in renewable energy, citing recent agreements for power trade with India and Bangladesh as indicators of Nepal&#39;s capability in hydropower generation and regional trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also underscored the need for modern infrastructure in tourism, agriculture, and technology sectors to harness Nepal&#39;s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and young, dynamic workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Moreover, Dhakal emphasized the importance of investing in technical education to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled human resources, thereby boosting both domestic employment and remittance inflows.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He commended the government&#39;s efforts in implementing business-friendly policies and initiatives to facilitate foreign investment, including recent amendments and bilateral investment agreements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Highlighting FNCCI&#39;s role in boosting investors&rsquo; confidence through international business summits in New Delhi, Beijing, and Dubai, Dhakal assured continuous support and commitment from the private sector for joint ventures in all potential areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He shared his belief in Nepal&#39;s emerging growth story and encouraged forging partnerships to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20831',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Nepal is Committed to Liberal Economic Policy: PM Dahal   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The prime minister made this remark while inaugurating the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 in Kathmandu on Sunday. On the occasion, the PM asserted that there are immense opportunities for investment in Nepal and it has potential for investment from the legal, geographical and strategic perspective as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that Nepal is fully committed to a liberal economic policy, he reassured that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. The prime minister said Nepal is continuously moving ahead towards creating a friendly environment for the investors, industrialists, entrepreneurs and innovators. In this connection, he added, eight various laws related to business and investment have been amended.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Meanwhile, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has asserted that Nepal is an attractive destination for international investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Finance Minister, the key objectives of the Summit are: To project Nepal as an emerging destination for private sector investment; to highlight recent reforms in enhancing the investment climate and ensuring regulatory frameworks that support foreign as well as domestic investment, to showcase a wide range of projects across different sectors, including investment-ready projects; to facilitate productive negotiations and come up with a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between investors and stakeholders, advancing project development and management objectives; and to provide a platform for networking opportunities among the policymakers, investors, experts and other stakeholders to share ideas and views as well as encourage joint ventures in areas such as industry and infrastructure development.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said Nepal&rsquo;s investment regime is now liberal in terms of sectors open for foreign investment, tax policies and repatriation of earnings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to main opposition party leader, foreign investment is protected by domestic law and various international instruments to which Nepal is a signatory to. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20830',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'President Issues Ordinance to Facilitate Investment   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The President issued the ordinance upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with the Article 114 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, states a communiqu&eacute; signed by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, the spokesperson at the Office of the President.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The ordinance was issued to facilitate investors in the context of the Third Investment Summit that kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.&nbsp; -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20828',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Ordinance for Amending Investment-Friendly Laws Likely Today',
			'sub_title' => 'Government Fails to Conduct Credit Rating ahead of Investment Summit',
			'summary' => 'April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">However, even the ordinance could not be issued by the eve of the summit on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to an official at the President&#39;s Office, the investment ordinance passed by the Council of Ministers on April 22 has finally reached the President&#39;s Office.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">President Ram Chandra Paudel&#39;s legal adviser Baburam Kunwar said that the ordinance sent by the government reached the President&#39;s Office only on Friday night. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;We have almost completed studying the ordinance. We hardly have any objection to it. The ordinance is likely to be issued by the President on Sunday,&quot; Kunwar told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had been working since a long time to amend the laws to facilitate foreign investment but failed to amend the laws ahead of the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government&rsquo;s commitment to make the investment summit fruitful has been questioned due to the delay in sending the ordinance to the President&rsquo;s Office. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government has decided to amend about a dozen laws through the ordinance. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The laws to be amended include Land Act 2021, Forests Act 2070, Industrial Enterprises Act 2076, Special Economic Zone Act 2073, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075 among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Reforming these laws allows investors to acquire land beyond the limit to set up industries. Likewise, the government can approve the use of forest areas to extract minerals. The amended laws allows transferring technology from Nepal to foreign countries. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, said that although the investors have keen interest in legal reform, the ordinance has not been issued on time. &ldquo;This did not give a positive message to the investors,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;Before investing, investors give a special attention to the laws of the respective countries. They plan their investment accordingly. It is not appropriate to delay amending the laws,&quot; he said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Private sector stakeholders are skeptical about the two-day Investment Summit underway in Kathmandu since Sunday as the ordinance was not issued even by Saturday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepali Congress, the main opposition party in the Parliament, expressed its displeasure saying that the government did not amend some important laws directly related to the country and the people through the parliamentary process. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;The government&#39;s act of issuing an ordinance to amend laws targeting the investment summit which was scheduled months ago is against the spirit of the constitution, parliamentary system and democracy. The government decided to issue the ordinance by misinterpreting the provision of the constitution that allows the government to issue an ordinance in extraordinary situation when the federal parliament is not in session,&quot; reads a statement issued by Nepali Congress chief whip Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government, which has repeatedly announced to undertake the country&rsquo;s sovereign ratings before investment summit, has failed to do so. As the investment summit kicked off on Sunday, the government has failed to take the investors into confidence by conducting the country&rsquo;s credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The sovereign credit rating depicts the picture of the country&#39;s financial situation and credit repayment capacity. It is a kind of credit assessment that gives the real information about the country&#39;s investment risk situation. Foreign investors have taken it as a prerequisite for investment. Due to lack of crediting rating, Nepal has not been able to take commercial loans for large infrastructure projects from international development partners.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In order to increase foreign investment, the government had announced a sovereign credit rating in the budget of the fiscal year 2075/76. The government issued a public notice in this regard and invited the companies for credit rating of Nepal. Fitch, Moody&#39;s and Standard &amp; Poor&#39;s, the world&#39;s three major rating companies, submitted proposals for the rating. From among them, the government selected Fitch Ratings for the country&rsquo;s credit rating. For that, a separate agreement regarding technical assistance was also signed with the then British International Cooperation Agency (DFID) currently known as UK Aid. The government has appointed Standard Chartered Bank as the rating consultant. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government decided not to move ahead with the credit rating due to the Covid-19 pandemic fearing that it would send a negative message to the international community as the indicators of the economy were negative due to the impacts of the pandemic.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government recently announced to go ahead with the credit rating. Former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat and incumbent Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun had been repeatedly saying that the government would undertake the credit rating before the investment summit. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Fitch Ratings had expressed its commitment to complete the credit rating within three months but it has not yet started the rating.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Admitting that the country rating could not be done before the investment summit, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Narayan Prasad Risal, told New Business Age, &quot;We tried but the work could not be completed. It is not yet possible to say how long it will take for the country rating.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20829',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Former NRB Governor Advises Govt to Live up to the Commitments made to the Investors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Talking to RSS on the eve of the Nepal Investment Summit (April 28-29) on Saturday, Kshetry stressed that the government should assure potential investors with all sorts of facilities to them as per its commitments. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We should not believe that investors will come to invest haphazardly. Investors turn ready to pour their money into new area if they are convinced of a conducive environment,&quot; he shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite having abundant capital for investment, investors will use their conscience and get ready to take a risk upon the assessment of relative comparative benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We face a capital crisis. Again, unfortunately, the limited capital allotted by the government through the budget has remained frozen. In this situation, the government should convince foreign investors that it yearns to introduce technologies and management skills in addition to capital through the Investment Summit,&quot; the former Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) governor said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Nepal has not been yet able to ensure a sovereign credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are yet to audit the country&#39;s situation for receiving loans which is the need of the hour. Potential investors always calculate the objective situation before deciding to invest,&rdquo; Kshetry reminded.&nbsp; -- &nbsp;RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20827',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Prime Minister Inaugurates Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country's economic progress.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the summit amidst a special programme at Soaltee Hotel on Sunday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">One hundred and fifty-one projects will be presented in the summit. According to the Investment Board of Nepal, more than 1600 investors from over 55 countries are participating in the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The IBN informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects during the conference. Similarly, the government will seek concept notes for 19 projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the event will witnesses inauguration session and two major sessions. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The investors will have opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The First Investment Summit was organized on March 2-3, 2017 and the Second Investment Summit on March 29 and 30, 2019.&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20826',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Seek Letters of Intent for 20 Projects during the Third Investment Summit ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects—mostly hydropower projects—at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects&mdash;mostly hydropower projects&mdash;at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During the two-day mega event, the government will solicit letters of intent from both domestic and foreign investors for the projects whose feasibility studies have been completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Dhulikhel Medicity Project is one the projects for which the government will seek letter of intent. Under this project, the government plans to construct a super-special hospital to develop a medical tourism hub.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As outlined in the project proposal, the super-special hospital will be located at Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk, with an estimated cost of Rs 11 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government will also seek letter of intent for the Sudurpaschim Public Transport Project. It aims to improve public transportation in Kailali, Kanchanpur, and Doti districts of Sudurpaschim Province. The project requires 173 buses, including 104 electric vehicles, with an estimated cost of Rs 31.13 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Naumure Multi-Purpose Project, with an estimated cost of Rs 92 billion, is also in the list. As per the proposal, a total of 281.04 MW of electricity would be generated by the project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Khimti Those Shivalaya Reservoir-based Hydropower is another such to be built on the border of Dolakha and Ramechhap districts. It is the largest hydropower project with an estimated cost of Rs 289 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Humla Karnali Hydropower Project, a 61.2 MW project, will be located at Namkha rural municipality of Humla district. The cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 14.70 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 53.85 MW, is estimated to require an investment of Rs 11.90 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Panchkhal Special Economic Zone in Panchkhal municipality aims to create jobs by promoting economic activities. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1.57 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Kabadikhola Hydropower Project, to be located at a mountainous area on the border of Bajura and Humla districts, is proposed to be operated in a BOOT model. It requires an investment of Rs 6.41 billion. The feasibility study for the project was completed in 2020.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another hydropower project to be showcased during the Investment Summit is the reservoir-based Kaligandaki-II hydropower project. The total estimated investment for the project is Rs 174 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another reservoir-based government undertaking -- Bharbung Hydropower Project &ndash; with a capacity to generate 377MW of electricity is listed for showcasing for a letter of intent at the two-day event.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In addition to the hydropower projects, the government is presenting a range of other projects and inviting proposals for consideration. These projects include the Pokhara International Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, Daiji Industrial Zone, Babarmahal Administrative Plaza, Mahadev Stream Reservoir, Karnali-Chisapani Wind Energy Project, Chandragiri-Chitwan Expressway, Janaki Heritage Hotel and Cultural Village, and Dhaubadi Iron Mine and Excavation Project.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 9 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20825',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Third Investment Summit Kicks off Today',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country's economic progress and prosperity. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 28: The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress and prosperity.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The government is showcasing 151 projects. The event slated to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &#39;Prachanda&#39; will see participation of over 1600 investors from 55 plus countries.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Nepal Investment Board has informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects in the conference. Similarly, concept notes would be called for 19 projects. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The first day will witness inauguration session and two major sessions. The investors will be provided opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">Private sector, partner of economic development, is the co-organizer of the event. Several noted international figures including Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, State Minister for UK Asia Pacific Affairs, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, UNCTAD Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan, and Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, Luo Zhaohui will address the summit.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Similarly, Vice President of ADB, Yingming Yang Acting, Vice Chair of Asian Infrastructures Investment Bank, Rajit Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Shreevastav, Executive Director of ITC India, Supratim Datta, and Senior Vice Chair of US Chamber of Commerce, Atul Keshap are other speakers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">In the same vein, former Prime Minister and major opposition party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Finance Minister and summit convention committee director, Barsha Man Pun, and leaders of Nepali business community will also address the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>
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			'article_date' => '2024-04-28 09:32:35',
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20824',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Breakthrough of Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project Expected on May 8',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project’s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project&rsquo;s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. The breakthrough ceremony of the tunnel of the national pride project is scheduled for May 8.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The project aims to provide year-round irrigation facilities to various districts of Terai-Madhesh. According to Mitra Baral, head of the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project, only a small segment of the 13.3 km-long tunnel remains to be completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will attend the breakthrough&nbsp; ceremony, with other key officials including&nbsp; Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Finance Barshman Pun.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite a construction timeline of two years, the tunnel has been almost completed in just 19 months. If not for delays caused by geological complexity, the work could have been completed even earlier.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the construction of the tunnel has been almost complete, other project components like the dam and power plant still require another year to complete.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Project Head Baral said that the tunnel construction involved using an Automatic Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), a technology also used in the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nepal Electricity Authority&rsquo;s Managing Director Kulman Ghising said that the state-owned power utility is considering using TBM technology in other projects, including the Dudhkoshi and Upper Arun Hydropower Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), has instructed the project officials to stay on project site, and ensure smooth progress of the project, with no further delays. The MoEWRI has instructed the project to submit progress reports every 15 days.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Baral, the head of the project, the construction of the project started on October 14, 2022. The goal is to complete the project by October 2027.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The construction entrepreneurs involved in the construction of the dam and powerhouse have not been able to work as per the schedule. The government has time and again instructed the builders to improve their performance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Necessary preparations are being made for the construction of a powerhouse and transmission line. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the transmission line has been completed. A part of the currently operational BP Highway will be affected by the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project. About 900 meters of diversion should be built on the currently operational highway.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Under this project, the Sunkoshi River flowing through the border of Sindhuli and Ramechhap districts in Kandhungi will be diverted to Marin Khola.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">About 67 cusecs of water from Sunkoshi will be pumped into the Marin River at Kusumtar, Kamalamai Municipality-2 of Sindhuli through a tunnel. The water will be used to irrigate about 122,000 hectares of land in Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Bara. Likewise, the project will also generate 31.07 megawatts of electricity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tunnel construction of the project was done by the China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC). According to the contractors, the construction of the dam and powerhouse will be completed within the stipulated time even if there is some delay. A joint venture of Indian company Patel Engineering and Nepal&#39;s Raman Group has been entrusted with the construction of the dam.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">After the completion of the project, irrigation facilities will be available throughout the year in the five districts of Mid-Terai, which are considered as the major grain producing areas. It will bring a qualitative change in food production. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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	(int) 11 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20823',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'IBN Confirms 1,600 Participants for Investment Summit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the IBN, it extended invitations to over 2,400 persons. Investors from 55 countries will be joining the summit while there will be 385 participants from Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 265 will be representing China followed by 143 from India, 33 from the US, 28 from Japan, 14 from the UK, 13 from Bangladesh, 13 from the UAE, and 10 from Germany.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, nine each will be arriving from South Korea, Australia, and Malaysia, eight from Pakistan, six from Singapore, and five each from Qatar and Ghana.&nbsp; Four each will be representing Saudi Arabia, France, and Bahrain in the summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Likewise, three each will be attending the summit from Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Austria, Sri Lanka, and Colombia, and two each from the Philippines, Kuwait, Canada, Mauritius, Belarus, and Belgium.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;The participation has been confirmed from Egypt, Italy, Norway, Senegal, the Netherlands, Poland, Indonesia, Tajikistan, South Africa, Romania, Mexico and Cyprus. Investors from Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Bosnia, Morocco, Turkey, Vanuatu, Mauritania, and Hong Kong will also be attending the Summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A total of 150 projects will be showcased at the summit, featuring 23 stalls.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the summit will have the opening session followed by two major sessions. The second and final day will feature 11 parallel sessions. -- RSS</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20822',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Vaccines Saved at Least 154 Million Lives in 50 Years: WHO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That is the equivalent of six lives saved every minute of every year of the half century, AFP quoted the UN health agency as saying.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to AFP, WHO gave a comprehensive analysis of the impact of 14 vaccines used under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in a study published in the Lancet.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Thanks to these vaccines, &quot;a child born today is 40 percent more likely to see their fifth birthday than a child born 50 years ago&quot;, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventable,&quot; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Smallpox has been eradicated, polio is on the brink, and with the more recent development of vaccines against diseases like malaria and cervical cancer, we are pushing back the frontiers of disease.&quot;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Infants accounted for 101 million of the lives saved through immunisation over the five decades, said the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Immunisation was the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood,&quot; WHO said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>&nbsp;&#39;Vaccines cause adults&#39; </strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Over 50 years, vaccines against 14 diseases -- diphtheria, Haemophilus influenza type B, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis A, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever -- had directly contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40 percent, the study found.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For Africa, the reduction in infant mortality was more than 50 percent, it said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The vaccine against measles -- a highly contagious disease by a virus that attacks mainly children -- had the most significant impact.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That jab accounted for 60 percent of the lives saved due to immunisation, according to the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The polio vaccine means that more than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The study also showed that when a vaccine saves a child&#39;s life, that person goes on to live an average of 66 years of full health on average -- with a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained over the five decades.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines cause adults,&quot; Tedros said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">WHO stressed that the gains in childhood survival showed the importance of protecting progress on immunisation.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It highlighted accelerating efforts to reach 67 million children who missed at least one vaccination during the Covid pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The UN health agency, along with the UN children&#39;s agency Unicef, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Wednesday launched a joint campaign called &quot;Humanly Possible&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is aimed at scaling up vaccination programmes around the world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;By working together we can save millions more lives, advance equity and create a much healthier and more prosperous world,&quot; Violaine Michell of the Gates Foundation told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;<strong>Anti-vax threat</strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">But efforts to ensure broader vaccine coverage have increasingly run into anti-vax movements and conspiracy theories circulating on social media.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This was particularly clear during the Covid pandemic, but it has also taken its tolls on efforts to avert measles outbreaks.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;There has been a very significant backsliding in the use of the measles vaccine and the coverage that has been achieved in countries around the world, and that is resulting in outbreaks,&quot; WHO vaccine chief Kate O&#39;Brien told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 2022, the last year for which there are clear statistics, more than nine million measles cases were registered around the world, including 136,000 children who died.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lack of access to the vaccines was a major concern, said O&#39;Brien, but part of the backsliding was attributable to &quot;misinformation and anti-vax movements&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;The measles vaccine is a safe vaccine, and it&#39;s highly effective,&quot; she insisted, stressing the need to ramp up efforts against &quot;one of the most infectious viruses that infect humans&quot;. -- AFP</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20821',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'IBN to Present 151 Projects for FDI in Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29. The summit aims to facilitate the implementation of projects aimed at boosting the economy, including the establishment of factories and industries by attracting foreign direct investment in these sectors.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the overall development of the country. Stakeholders say it is imperative to combine foreign investment with government and private sector investments to ensure adequate capital, technology, and human resources for the successful execution of these projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The 58th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal has resolved to issue calls for letters of intent and engage in extensive discussions with investors regarding the showcased projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Of the projects to be presented at the summit, the energy sector dominates with thirty-one projects up for investment, as confirmed by the board&#39;s spokesperson, Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay. Additionally, there are nineteen projects related to the transport sector, thirteen each in the mining and minerals, and tourism sectors, fourteen in agriculture, five in production, seven in industrial infrastructure and trade, three in health and education, two in communications and information technology, four in water supply, and six in urban development.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the private sector is also presenting thirty-one projects for foreign direct investment during the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Upadhyay noted that the government places significant importance on private sector investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI). -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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			'title' => 'CMT Resort of Bharatpur gets Three-Star Rating',
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			'summary' => 'April 26: Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">CMT Resort, operating on an area of 72,900 sq.&nbsp;feet, has received three-star rating from the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Madan Ghimire, the managing director of the resort, informed that this is the first resort in the Bharatpur metropolitan city to receive three-star recognition.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is being operated by a board of directors team of five people with&nbsp;a collective investment of people involved in various professions and businesses.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort accommodates a 12,300 square feet town hall that can accommodate more than 2,000 people, a&nbsp;2,790 square feet meeting hall that can accommodate 500 people, a&nbsp;1,881 square feet hall that can accommodate 200 people, a 350 square feet conference hall and business halls, and an open kitchen.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has 45 rooms with state-of-the-art facilities. Likewise, the resort provides direct employment to 85 individuals and indirect jobs to some.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Food items produced by local farmers are the specialty of the resort.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has good parking space, a&nbsp;swimming pool, and garden facilities.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is connected to Mahendra Highway and can be reached in 5 minutes from Bharatpur Airport. According to managing director Ghimire, a separate charging point has also been installed for EVs (electric vehicles) on the resort premises.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'id' => '20834',
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			'title' => 'NEPSE Posts Gain of 14.33 Points to Close at 1980.27',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">April 28: The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) Index saw a gain of 0.72%, or 14.33 points, closing at 1,980.27 points on the first trading day of the week on Sunday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">During today&rsquo;s trading session, 308 different stocks were traded in the NEPSE through 48,183 transactions. The total volume of shares traded stood at 6,878,159, resulting in a total turnover of Rs. 2.68 billion.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) led the turnover amount with a turnover of Rs. 13.05 Crore, closing at a market price of Rs. 665.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">Similarly, Pokhara Finance Ltd. (PFL) saw the highest gain of 9.02%, followed by Progressive Finance Limited (PROFL) with a gain of 7.62%.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-family:&quot;Open Sans&quot;,sans-serif">In terms of sector indices, only one sector Index closed in negative territory. The finance Index experienced the maximum gain of 3.98% while the Trading Index incurred the loss of 0.34%.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'CNI President Highlights Nepal's Conducive Investment Climate at Investment Summit   ',
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			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Rajesh Kumar Agrawal said that the government is creating a conducive environment for investment in Nepal by taking the private sector in confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the inaugural session of the Third Investment Summit in Kathmandu on Sunday, he urged the foreign investors to invest in Nepal as there is ample possibilities in the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that the summit marks a pivotal moment in our nation&#39;s journey towards prosperity and growth, the CNI President Agrawal said: &quot;Nepal, with its abundant natural resources, cultural diversity, and strategic location, presents a wealth of opportunities for investors seeking to make a positive impact while achieving sustainable returns.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He stated that Nepal offers a fertile ground for innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth from tourism to technology, infrastructure development to renewable energy, education to healthcare, and extended a warm welcome to investors from around the world, inviting them to explore the myriad investment prospects that Nepal has to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The CNI president called on investors to seize this moment to capitalize on the momentum generated by this summit and translate it into tangible investments that drive job creation, infrastructure development, and socio-economic progress, urging them to explore the diverse array of opportunities that Nepal offers across various sectors.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Nepal&#39;s unparalleled natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan range and diverse cultural heritage, makes it a prime destination for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and cultural tourists. With a strategic focus on sustainable tourism practices, there is significant room for investment in eco-friendly accommodations, adventure tourism services, and infrastructure development,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;As the country continues to invest in improving connectivity and promoting its unique attractions, the tourism industry is poised for substantial growth, providing lucrative opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on Nepal&#39;s burgeoning tourism market.&rdquo;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Agrawal, Nepal has been making strides to position itself as an emerging IT hub in the South Asian region. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;Nepal&#39;s exports of IT services experienced an extraordinary surge, reaching a remarkable figure of USD 515.4 million in the year 2022. This significant achievement catapulted IT services to the forefront, emerging as the country&#39;s top exportable product. It has opened doors to new opportunities, fueled by a rich pool of talent and a conducive business environment.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He added that hydropower represents a crucial sector for investment in Nepal, given its abundant water resources and the potential to generate clean energy.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Investments in the development of hydropower infrastructure not only contribute to Nepal&#39;s energy security but also offer export opportunities to neighboring countries, he further stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Likewise, Nepal holds untapped potential for investors across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, tea, real estate, and textiles. In the education sector, there is a unique opportunity to establish Nepal as an education hub, leveraging its cultural richness and serene environment. Investing in world-class educational institutions, research facilities, and vocational training centers can attract both domestic and international students. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;By developing a robust educational ecosystem, investors can contribute to shaping Nepal as a knowledge destination, fostering intellectual growth and socio-economic development.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">President Agrawal pointed out that healthcare presents a significant investment avenue, with the potential to establish Nepal as a medical hub. Investing in state-of-the-art medical facilities, specialized treatment centers, and research institutions can not only cater to the local population but also attract medical tourists from neighboring countries, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The country&#39;s serene environment can offer a conducive setting for recovery and wellness, making it an appealing destination for medical tourism.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;I am glad to share you all that the government has responded to the requests of private sectors such as CNI by amending various laws and regulations. It brings me great satisfaction to recognize and commend the proactive measures taken by the government through recent amendments in a multitude of laws and regulations. These actions underscore the government&#39;s unwavering commitment to nurturing a conducive investment climate within the country. The amendments, enacted through ordinances, signify a forward-looking approach aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing the ease of doing business.&quot;&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'FNCCI President Urges Investors to Explore Nepal's Potential Sectors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal's burgeoning economy.   ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged investors from around the world to seize the opportunity and invest in Nepal&#39;s burgeoning economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Addressing the 3rd Nepal Investment Summit 2024, he emphasized the country&#39;s colossal untapped sectors and its potential as an investment destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Dhakal highlighted Nepal&#39;s strategic location between the economic powerhouses of China and India, underscoring its significance as a gateway to vast markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He emphasized the abundant opportunities across various sectors, including tourism, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, technology, and ICT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The FNCCI president particularly highlighted the immense potential in renewable energy, citing recent agreements for power trade with India and Bangladesh as indicators of Nepal&#39;s capability in hydropower generation and regional trade.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He also underscored the need for modern infrastructure in tourism, agriculture, and technology sectors to harness Nepal&#39;s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and young, dynamic workforce.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Moreover, Dhakal emphasized the importance of investing in technical education to bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled human resources, thereby boosting both domestic employment and remittance inflows.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He commended the government&#39;s efforts in implementing business-friendly policies and initiatives to facilitate foreign investment, including recent amendments and bilateral investment agreements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Highlighting FNCCI&#39;s role in boosting investors&rsquo; confidence through international business summits in New Delhi, Beijing, and Dubai, Dhakal assured continuous support and commitment from the private sector for joint ventures in all potential areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">He shared his belief in Nepal&#39;s emerging growth story and encouraged forging partnerships to chart a path towards sustainable development and prosperity. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'Nepal is Committed to Liberal Economic Policy: PM Dahal   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and benefit from it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The prime minister made this remark while inaugurating the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 in Kathmandu on Sunday. On the occasion, the PM asserted that there are immense opportunities for investment in Nepal and it has potential for investment from the legal, geographical and strategic perspective as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Stating that Nepal is fully committed to a liberal economic policy, he reassured that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country. The prime minister said Nepal is continuously moving ahead towards creating a friendly environment for the investors, industrialists, entrepreneurs and innovators. In this connection, he added, eight various laws related to business and investment have been amended.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Meanwhile, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has asserted that Nepal is an attractive destination for international investment.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the Finance Minister, the key objectives of the Summit are: To project Nepal as an emerging destination for private sector investment; to highlight recent reforms in enhancing the investment climate and ensuring regulatory frameworks that support foreign as well as domestic investment, to showcase a wide range of projects across different sectors, including investment-ready projects; to facilitate productive negotiations and come up with a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between investors and stakeholders, advancing project development and management objectives; and to provide a platform for networking opportunities among the policymakers, investors, experts and other stakeholders to share ideas and views as well as encourage joint ventures in areas such as industry and infrastructure development.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said Nepal&rsquo;s investment regime is now liberal in terms of sectors open for foreign investment, tax policies and repatriation of earnings.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to main opposition party leader, foreign investment is protected by domestic law and various international instruments to which Nepal is a signatory to. -- RSS</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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			'title' => 'President Issues Ordinance to Facilitate Investment   ',
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			'summary' => 'April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.     ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued the Ordinance Amending Some Nepal Acts Related to Investment Facilitation, 2081.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The President issued the ordinance upon the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with the Article 114 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, states a communiqu&eacute; signed by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, the spokesperson at the Office of the President.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The ordinance was issued to facilitate investors in the context of the Third Investment Summit that kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.&nbsp; -- RSS </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 5 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20828',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Ordinance for Amending Investment-Friendly Laws Likely Today',
			'sub_title' => 'Government Fails to Conduct Credit Rating ahead of Investment Summit',
			'summary' => 'April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">April 28: As the government could not amend the laws to facilitate foreign direct investment through the regular parliamentary process before the Investment Summit, which commenced on Sunday, it opted to amend the laws through an ordinance.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">However, even the ordinance could not be issued by the eve of the summit on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">According to an official at the President&#39;s Office, the investment ordinance passed by the Council of Ministers on April 22 has finally reached the President&#39;s Office.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">President Ram Chandra Paudel&#39;s legal adviser Baburam Kunwar said that the ordinance sent by the government reached the President&#39;s Office only on Friday night. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;We have almost completed studying the ordinance. We hardly have any objection to it. The ordinance is likely to be issued by the President on Sunday,&quot; Kunwar told New Business Age.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government had been working since a long time to amend the laws to facilitate foreign investment but failed to amend the laws ahead of the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government&rsquo;s commitment to make the investment summit fruitful has been questioned due to the delay in sending the ordinance to the President&rsquo;s Office. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government has decided to amend about a dozen laws through the ordinance. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The laws to be amended include Land Act 2021, Forests Act 2070, Industrial Enterprises Act 2076, Special Economic Zone Act 2073, Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act 2075 among others.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Reforming these laws allows investors to acquire land beyond the limit to set up industries. Likewise, the government can approve the use of forest areas to extract minerals. The amended laws allows transferring technology from Nepal to foreign countries. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal, president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce, said that although the investors have keen interest in legal reform, the ordinance has not been issued on time. &ldquo;This did not give a positive message to the investors,&rdquo; he said, adding, &ldquo;Before investing, investors give a special attention to the laws of the respective countries. They plan their investment accordingly. It is not appropriate to delay amending the laws,&quot; he said.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Private sector stakeholders are skeptical about the two-day Investment Summit underway in Kathmandu since Sunday as the ordinance was not issued even by Saturday. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Nepali Congress, the main opposition party in the Parliament, expressed its displeasure saying that the government did not amend some important laws directly related to the country and the people through the parliamentary process. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">&quot;The government&#39;s act of issuing an ordinance to amend laws targeting the investment summit which was scheduled months ago is against the spirit of the constitution, parliamentary system and democracy. The government decided to issue the ordinance by misinterpreting the provision of the constitution that allows the government to issue an ordinance in extraordinary situation when the federal parliament is not in session,&quot; reads a statement issued by Nepali Congress chief whip Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government, which has repeatedly announced to undertake the country&rsquo;s sovereign ratings before investment summit, has failed to do so. As the investment summit kicked off on Sunday, the government has failed to take the investors into confidence by conducting the country&rsquo;s credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The sovereign credit rating depicts the picture of the country&#39;s financial situation and credit repayment capacity. It is a kind of credit assessment that gives the real information about the country&#39;s investment risk situation. Foreign investors have taken it as a prerequisite for investment. Due to lack of crediting rating, Nepal has not been able to take commercial loans for large infrastructure projects from international development partners.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">In order to increase foreign investment, the government had announced a sovereign credit rating in the budget of the fiscal year 2075/76. The government issued a public notice in this regard and invited the companies for credit rating of Nepal. Fitch, Moody&#39;s and Standard &amp; Poor&#39;s, the world&#39;s three major rating companies, submitted proposals for the rating. From among them, the government selected Fitch Ratings for the country&rsquo;s credit rating. For that, a separate agreement regarding technical assistance was also signed with the then British International Cooperation Agency (DFID) currently known as UK Aid. The government has appointed Standard Chartered Bank as the rating consultant. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government decided not to move ahead with the credit rating due to the Covid-19 pandemic fearing that it would send a negative message to the international community as the indicators of the economy were negative due to the impacts of the pandemic.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government recently announced to go ahead with the credit rating. Former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat and incumbent Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun had been repeatedly saying that the government would undertake the credit rating before the investment summit. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Fitch Ratings had expressed its commitment to complete the credit rating within three months but it has not yet started the rating.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Admitting that the country rating could not be done before the investment summit, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Narayan Prasad Risal, told New Business Age, &quot;We tried but the work could not be completed. It is not yet possible to say how long it will take for the country rating.&rdquo;</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20829',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Former NRB Governor Advises Govt to Live up to the Commitments made to the Investors   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: Former Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Deependra Bahadur Kshetry has advised the government to live up to the promises it has made to the investors in order to ensure the success of the Investment Summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Talking to RSS on the eve of the Nepal Investment Summit (April 28-29) on Saturday, Kshetry stressed that the government should assure potential investors with all sorts of facilities to them as per its commitments. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We should not believe that investors will come to invest haphazardly. Investors turn ready to pour their money into new area if they are convinced of a conducive environment,&quot; he shared.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite having abundant capital for investment, investors will use their conscience and get ready to take a risk upon the assessment of relative comparative benefits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;We face a capital crisis. Again, unfortunately, the limited capital allotted by the government through the budget has remained frozen. In this situation, the government should convince foreign investors that it yearns to introduce technologies and management skills in addition to capital through the Investment Summit,&quot; the former Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) governor said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to him, Nepal has not been yet able to ensure a sovereign credit rating. </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&ldquo;We are yet to audit the country&#39;s situation for receiving loans which is the need of the hour. Potential investors always calculate the objective situation before deciding to invest,&rdquo; Kshetry reminded.&nbsp; -- &nbsp;RSS&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 7 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20827',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Prime Minister Inaugurates Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country's economic progress.    ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The Third Investment Summit has kicked off in the capital with the goal of bringing in foreign direct investment and launching development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the summit amidst a special programme at Soaltee Hotel on Sunday morning.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">One hundred and fifty-one projects will be presented in the summit. According to the Investment Board of Nepal, more than 1600 investors from over 55 countries are participating in the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The IBN informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects during the conference. Similarly, the government will seek concept notes for 19 projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the event will witnesses inauguration session and two major sessions. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The investors will have opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br />
<span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The First Investment Summit was organized on March 2-3, 2017 and the Second Investment Summit on March 29 and 30, 2019.&nbsp; -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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	(int) 8 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20826',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Govt to Seek Letters of Intent for 20 Projects during the Third Investment Summit ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects—mostly hydropower projects—at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 28: The government is preparing to seek letters of intent for 20 projects&mdash;mostly hydropower projects&mdash;at the Third Investment Summit which kicked off in the federal capital on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">During the two-day mega event, the government will solicit letters of intent from both domestic and foreign investors for the projects whose feasibility studies have been completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Dhulikhel Medicity Project is one the projects for which the government will seek letter of intent. Under this project, the government plans to construct a super-special hospital to develop a medical tourism hub.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">As outlined in the project proposal, the super-special hospital will be located at Dhulikhel, Kavrepalanchowk, with an estimated cost of Rs 11 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, the government will also seek letter of intent for the Sudurpaschim Public Transport Project. It aims to improve public transportation in Kailali, Kanchanpur, and Doti districts of Sudurpaschim Province. The project requires 173 buses, including 104 electric vehicles, with an estimated cost of Rs 31.13 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Naumure Multi-Purpose Project, with an estimated cost of Rs 92 billion, is also in the list. As per the proposal, a total of 281.04 MW of electricity would be generated by the project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Khimti Those Shivalaya Reservoir-based Hydropower is another such to be built on the border of Dolakha and Ramechhap districts. It is the largest hydropower project with an estimated cost of Rs 289 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Humla Karnali Hydropower Project, a 61.2 MW project, will be located at Namkha rural municipality of Humla district. The cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 14.70 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Upper Chameliya Hydropower Project, with a capacity of 53.85 MW, is estimated to require an investment of Rs 11.90 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Panchkhal Special Economic Zone in Panchkhal municipality aims to create jobs by promoting economic activities. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 1.57 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The Kabadikhola Hydropower Project, to be located at a mountainous area on the border of Bajura and Humla districts, is proposed to be operated in a BOOT model. It requires an investment of Rs 6.41 billion. The feasibility study for the project was completed in 2020.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another hydropower project to be showcased during the Investment Summit is the reservoir-based Kaligandaki-II hydropower project. The total estimated investment for the project is Rs 174 billion.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Another reservoir-based government undertaking -- Bharbung Hydropower Project &ndash; with a capacity to generate 377MW of electricity is listed for showcasing for a letter of intent at the two-day event.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In addition to the hydropower projects, the government is presenting a range of other projects and inviting proposals for consideration. These projects include the Pokhara International Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre, Daiji Industrial Zone, Babarmahal Administrative Plaza, Mahadev Stream Reservoir, Karnali-Chisapani Wind Energy Project, Chandragiri-Chitwan Expressway, Janaki Heritage Hotel and Cultural Village, and Dhaubadi Iron Mine and Excavation Project.</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20825',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Third Investment Summit Kicks off Today',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country's economic progress and prosperity. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:20px">April 28: The Third Investment Summit is beginning today (Sunday) with the primary objective of attracting foreign direct investment in large development projects for the country&#39;s economic progress and prosperity.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The government is showcasing 151 projects. The event slated to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &#39;Prachanda&#39; will see participation of over 1600 investors from 55 plus countries.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Nepal Investment Board has informed that there will be 23 exhibition stalls along with detailed information on the projects in the conference. Similarly, concept notes would be called for 19 projects. The two-day international event will feature 11 parallel sessions on Monday.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">The first day will witness inauguration session and two major sessions. The investors will be provided opportunities to interact with PM Dahal and Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun in course of the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">Private sector, partner of economic development, is the co-organizer of the event. Several noted international figures including Indian Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, State Minister for UK Asia Pacific Affairs, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, UNCTAD Secretary General Rebeca Grynspan, and Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency, Luo Zhaohui will address the summit.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">&nbsp;Similarly, Vice President of ADB, Yingming Yang Acting, Vice Chair of Asian Infrastructures Investment Bank, Rajit Mishra, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Shreevastav, Executive Director of ITC India, Supratim Datta, and Senior Vice Chair of US Chamber of Commerce, Atul Keshap are other speakers.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:20px">In the same vein, former Prime Minister and major opposition party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, Finance Minister and summit convention committee director, Barsha Man Pun, and leaders of Nepali business community will also address the summit.&nbsp;</span></p>
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	(int) 10 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20824',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Breakthrough of Sunkoshi-Marin Diversion Project Expected on May 8',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project’s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. ',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The construction of the Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Multipurpose Project&rsquo;s tunnel has been almost completed with only a few meters left for a breakthrough. The breakthrough ceremony of the tunnel of the national pride project is scheduled for May 8.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The project aims to provide year-round irrigation facilities to various districts of Terai-Madhesh. According to Mitra Baral, head of the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project, only a small segment of the 13.3 km-long tunnel remains to be completed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will attend the breakthrough&nbsp; ceremony, with other key officials including&nbsp; Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Finance Barshman Pun.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Despite a construction timeline of two years, the tunnel has been almost completed in just 19 months. If not for delays caused by geological complexity, the work could have been completed even earlier.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Although the construction of the tunnel has been almost complete, other project components like the dam and power plant still require another year to complete.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Project Head Baral said that the tunnel construction involved using an Automatic Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), a technology also used in the Bheri Babai Diversion Multipurpose Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Nepal Electricity Authority&rsquo;s Managing Director Kulman Ghising said that the state-owned power utility is considering using TBM technology in other projects, including the Dudhkoshi and Upper Arun Hydropower Project.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI), has instructed the project officials to stay on project site, and ensure smooth progress of the project, with no further delays. The MoEWRI has instructed the project to submit progress reports every 15 days.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to Baral, the head of the project, the construction of the project started on October 14, 2022. The goal is to complete the project by October 2027.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The construction entrepreneurs involved in the construction of the dam and powerhouse have not been able to work as per the schedule. The government has time and again instructed the builders to improve their performance.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Necessary preparations are being made for the construction of a powerhouse and transmission line. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the transmission line has been completed. A part of the currently operational BP Highway will be affected by the Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project. About 900 meters of diversion should be built on the currently operational highway.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Under this project, the Sunkoshi River flowing through the border of Sindhuli and Ramechhap districts in Kandhungi will be diverted to Marin Khola.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">About 67 cusecs of water from Sunkoshi will be pumped into the Marin River at Kusumtar, Kamalamai Municipality-2 of Sindhuli through a tunnel. The water will be used to irrigate about 122,000 hectares of land in Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, and Bara. Likewise, the project will also generate 31.07 megawatts of electricity.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The tunnel construction of the project was done by the China Overseas Engineering Group Company Limited (COVEC). According to the contractors, the construction of the dam and powerhouse will be completed within the stipulated time even if there is some delay. A joint venture of Indian company Patel Engineering and Nepal&#39;s Raman Group has been entrusted with the construction of the dam.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">After the completion of the project, irrigation facilities will be available throughout the year in the five districts of Mid-Terai, which are considered as the major grain producing areas. It will bring a qualitative change in food production. -- RSS</span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20823',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'IBN Confirms 1,600 Participants for Investment Summit',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 27: The Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) has confirmed participation of over 1,600 people for the third Nepal Investment Summit, commencing on Sunday.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to the IBN, it extended invitations to over 2,400 persons. Investors from 55 countries will be joining the summit while there will be 385 participants from Nepal.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, 265 will be representing China followed by 143 from India, 33 from the US, 28 from Japan, 14 from the UK, 13 from Bangladesh, 13 from the UAE, and 10 from Germany.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Similarly, nine each will be arriving from South Korea, Australia, and Malaysia, eight from Pakistan, six from Singapore, and five each from Qatar and Ghana.&nbsp; Four each will be representing Saudi Arabia, France, and Bahrain in the summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;Likewise, three each will be attending the summit from Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Austria, Sri Lanka, and Colombia, and two each from the Philippines, Kuwait, Canada, Mauritius, Belarus, and Belgium.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;The participation has been confirmed from Egypt, Italy, Norway, Senegal, the Netherlands, Poland, Indonesia, Tajikistan, South Africa, Romania, Mexico and Cyprus. Investors from Ireland, Slovenia, Vietnam, Bosnia, Morocco, Turkey, Vanuatu, Mauritania, and Hong Kong will also be attending the Summit.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">A total of 150 projects will be showcased at the summit, featuring 23 stalls.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The first day of the summit will have the opening session followed by two major sessions. The second and final day will feature 11 parallel sessions. -- RSS</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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	(int) 12 => array(
		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20822',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'Vaccines Saved at Least 154 Million Lives in 50 Years: WHO',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, AFP reported citing the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO reportedly added that most of those to benefit were infants.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That is the equivalent of six lives saved every minute of every year of the half century, AFP quoted the UN health agency as saying.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">According to AFP, WHO gave a comprehensive analysis of the impact of 14 vaccines used under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in a study published in the Lancet.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Thanks to these vaccines, &quot;a child born today is 40 percent more likely to see their fifth birthday than a child born 50 years ago&quot;, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines are among the most powerful inventions in history, making once-feared diseases preventable,&quot; he said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Smallpox has been eradicated, polio is on the brink, and with the more recent development of vaccines against diseases like malaria and cervical cancer, we are pushing back the frontiers of disease.&quot;</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Infants accounted for 101 million of the lives saved through immunisation over the five decades, said the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Immunisation was the single greatest contribution of any health intervention to ensuring babies not only see their first birthdays but continue leading healthy lives into adulthood,&quot; WHO said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><strong>&nbsp;&#39;Vaccines cause adults&#39; </strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Over 50 years, vaccines against 14 diseases -- diphtheria, Haemophilus influenza type B, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis A, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever -- had directly contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40 percent, the study found.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">For Africa, the reduction in infant mortality was more than 50 percent, it said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The vaccine against measles -- a highly contagious disease by a virus that attacks mainly children -- had the most significant impact.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">That jab accounted for 60 percent of the lives saved due to immunisation, according to the study.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The polio vaccine means that more than 20 million people are able to walk today who would otherwise have been paralysed.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The study also showed that when a vaccine saves a child&#39;s life, that person goes on to live an average of 66 years of full health on average -- with a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained over the five decades.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;Vaccines cause adults,&quot; Tedros said.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">WHO stressed that the gains in childhood survival showed the importance of protecting progress on immunisation.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It highlighted accelerating efforts to reach 67 million children who missed at least one vaccination during the Covid pandemic.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The UN health agency, along with the UN children&#39;s agency Unicef, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Wednesday launched a joint campaign called &quot;Humanly Possible&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">It is aimed at scaling up vaccination programmes around the world.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;By working together we can save millions more lives, advance equity and create a much healthier and more prosperous world,&quot; Violaine Michell of the Gates Foundation told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&nbsp;<strong>Anti-vax threat</strong></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">But efforts to ensure broader vaccine coverage have increasingly run into anti-vax movements and conspiracy theories circulating on social media.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">This was particularly clear during the Covid pandemic, but it has also taken its tolls on efforts to avert measles outbreaks.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;There has been a very significant backsliding in the use of the measles vaccine and the coverage that has been achieved in countries around the world, and that is resulting in outbreaks,&quot; WHO vaccine chief Kate O&#39;Brien told journalists.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">In 2022, the last year for which there are clear statistics, more than nine million measles cases were registered around the world, including 136,000 children who died.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Lack of access to the vaccines was a major concern, said O&#39;Brien, but part of the backsliding was attributable to &quot;misinformation and anti-vax movements&quot;.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:18px"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">&quot;The measles vaccine is a safe vaccine, and it&#39;s highly effective,&quot; she insisted, stressing the need to ramp up efforts against &quot;one of the most infectious viruses that infect humans&quot;. -- AFP</span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20821',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'IBN to Present 151 Projects for FDI in Third Investment Summit   ',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial Unicode MS&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></span><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The government is gearing up to present 151 projects at the Third Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29. The summit aims to facilitate the implementation of projects aimed at boosting the economy, including the establishment of factories and industries by attracting foreign direct investment in these sectors.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">These projects are expected to significantly contribute to the overall development of the country. Stakeholders say it is imperative to combine foreign investment with government and private sector investments to ensure adequate capital, technology, and human resources for the successful execution of these projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">The 58th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal has resolved to issue calls for letters of intent and engage in extensive discussions with investors regarding the showcased projects.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Of the projects to be presented at the summit, the energy sector dominates with thirty-one projects up for investment, as confirmed by the board&#39;s spokesperson, Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay. Additionally, there are nineteen projects related to the transport sector, thirteen each in the mining and minerals, and tourism sectors, fourteen in agriculture, five in production, seven in industrial infrastructure and trade, three in health and education, two in communications and information technology, four in water supply, and six in urban development.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Furthermore, the private sector is also presenting thirty-one projects for foreign direct investment during the summit.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="font-family:Calibri,&quot;sans-serif&quot;"><span style="font-size:14.0pt">Upadhyay noted that the government places significant importance on private sector investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI). -- RSS</span></span></span></p>
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		'Article' => array(
			'id' => '20820',
			'article_category_id' => '1',
			'title' => 'CMT Resort of Bharatpur gets Three-Star Rating',
			'sub_title' => '',
			'summary' => 'April 26: Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.',
			'content' => '<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">April 26: </span></strong><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Chitwan Mid Town (CMT) Resort, located in Ward No. 9 of Bharatpur Metropolitan Municipality, near Hakim Chowk, has received the recognition of three-star hotel.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">CMT Resort, operating on an area of 72,900 sq.&nbsp;feet, has received three-star rating from the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Madan Ghimire, the managing director of the resort, informed that this is the first resort in the Bharatpur metropolitan city to receive three-star recognition.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is being operated by a board of directors team of five people with&nbsp;a collective investment of people involved in various professions and businesses.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort accommodates a 12,300 square feet town hall that can accommodate more than 2,000 people, a&nbsp;2,790 square feet meeting hall that can accommodate 500 people, a&nbsp;1,881 square feet hall that can accommodate 200 people, a 350 square feet conference hall and business halls, and an open kitchen.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has 45 rooms with state-of-the-art facilities. Likewise, the resort provides direct employment to 85 individuals and indirect jobs to some.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Food items produced by local farmers are the specialty of the resort.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort has good parking space, a&nbsp;swimming pool, and garden facilities.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"><span style="font-family:&quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">The resort is connected to Mahendra Highway and can be reached in 5 minutes from Bharatpur Airport. According to managing director Ghimire, a separate charging point has also been installed for EVs (electric vehicles) on the resort premises.</span></span></span></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
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FOREX

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)

Bullion

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

Petroleum

Petrol	1 Liter	106.00
Diesel	1 Liter	95.00
Kerosene	1 Liter	95.00
LP Gas	1 Cylinder	1375.00