Kathmandu-based popular ride-hailing service provider Pathao's recent announcement to expand its services to 17 more cities comes as a good news for people living outside the Kathmandu Valley. Though the ride-hailing service provider has been catering to people in the federal capital for quite some time, people in other cities and towns are yet to get services for inter-city transportation facilities. When students and employees of private organisations cannot afford to purchase vehicles—four-wheelers and two-wheelers—on their own, Pathao bikes and taxis will be a great relief. Public vehicles like rickshaws and tempos are expensive, costing the passengers an arm and a leg. The commencement of Pathao service will benefit commuters in different ways.

First, the public will have choices. Compared to tempos and other means of transportation, Pathao motorcycles will be economically viable for students. Likewise, Pathao two-wheelers will be a fast means of reaching destinations when in a hurry. The addition of this new mode of transport will encourage other transporters to lower their prices and improve quality. I wish Pathao good luck and eagerly await to avail of their services in Dharan soon. 

Bijay Karki, Dharan-16, Stadium Line

Braving Challenges 

The existing economic situation paints a gloomy picture of the country. Pessimism and scepticism permeate various sectors. Market demand has plummeted, business activities have slowed dramatically, manufacturing and production have dwindled, and, as a result, employment opportunities have diminished. Amidst widespread cynicism and scepticism, increased investment in sectors such as energy, information technology, hospitality, automobiles and cement show that the Nepali private sector is resilient and is working to make a comeback. Injecting fresh investment in hotels, cement, hydropower projects, IT and automobile assembly not only gives us hope but also charts out a new trajectory for the prosperity and development of the country. Taking cues and lessons from seniors and experienced entrepreneurs, retail and new investors and entrepreneurs will have to spot the big opportunities amidst the doom and gloom to make something big. 

Rajan Bhattarai, Pokhara

Malaysia Halts Recruitment of Foreign Workers

Malaysia has been a major job destination for low-skilled Nepali migrant workers for many years. Every year, thousands of Nepali youths fly to Malaysia and Gulf countries for employment. However, the Malaysian government's decision to stop recruiting foreign workers from June 1 will have adverse impacts on Nepal's labour migration. The Malaysian government declared in March 2023 that foreign workers would only be permitted to enter Malaysia until the end of May 2024. This decision comes as both a challenge and an opportunity for the youths of Nepal and the Nepal government. Those aspiring to head to Malaysia will consider alternative job destinations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE. This will definitely pile pressure on the concerned stakeholders as it will add extra burden. This also presents an opportunity for the government to actually plan and implement employment programs to retain the youths inside the country. Going overseas for employment is just a stop-gap solution. 

Rudra Lama, Bhairahawa

EVs are boon

The import of an increased number of electric vehicles to Nepal in the first ten months of the current fiscal year 2023/24 is good news for Nepal for many reasons. According to the Department of Customs, Nepal has brought in 7,093 EVs, valued at Rs 17.49 billion, during the period. The import of electric vehicles will help mitigate environmental problems and help keep the environment clean. Nepal has to spend billions of rupees on the import of petroleum products. Replacing fossil fuel-powered vehicles with EVs will save foreign currency. On the other hand, the use of EVs will encourage more investment in the building of hydropower projects. 

Sarita Shrestha, Butwal