Madhav Kumar Nepal |
To meet the target of the proposed Economic Revolution Roadmap: Vision 2080, all concerned parties must be committed. An economic revolution is not an unattainable pursuit if everyone is determined for political, economic and social progress. However, sustainable economic development is possible only with political stability and rule of law for which the Constituent Assembly election slated for November 19 must be conducted.
Our economy is dependent on imports. To lower the high trade deficit born from this import-heavy economy, export-oriented policies and programmes must be formed. Likewise, investment in export oriented industries must be encouraged. For this, internal resources and external opportunities must be coordinated and productive sectors must be developed.
Similarly, employment must be generated through stable and long term investments. For this to happen, governments, industrialists and workers must rise above their vested interests and serve the national interest.
A favourable environment for running industries and making investments must be forged. If these can be ensured, the campaign to achieve economic development and lift the country from the status of a least developed economy to a developing one is not overambitious.
There must be committed focus on policy stability, power sector development, investment in employment-oriented productive sectors and expansion of the service sector. If we want to build a new Nepal and make sure all people are prosperous, we must prioritise certain things first. They could be restructuring the society, overhauling the administrative structure, eradicating social discriminations and prioritising the development of skilled human resources. Similarly, physical infrastructure and power development must be prioritised as most of our water resources is going to waste. These targets are not unachievable - the only need is of national commitment and positive thinking.
Investment must be channeled to infrastructure development. Whether it is for an international airport at Nijgadh or a fast track road - they are the basis for an economic revolution. Development of agriculture, service sector and tourism industry can make Nepal leap towards economic prosperity within a decade. Similarly, a green economy must be aspired towards. Criminalisation of politics and politicisation of crime must come to an end. End of corruption and good governance must be ensured.
The Birgunj-Pathlaiya section must be declared as industrial corridor by specifying the minimum standards. The concept of Greater Birgunj must be implemented and Birgunj should be announced as the financial capital. Sincere implementation of these initiatives can put Nepal in the path to economic revolution.
•Trade deficit, low export, high inflation and lack of resources are major problems in the country’s economy •Hydropower, tourism and industries should be prioritized for development •Revenue-centered government, short-term profit-oriented private sector and labour are responsible for sluggish economic growth •The government should ensure an end to policy-level ambiguity to create an environment conducive for investment •Importance should be given to forming a green economy and the concept of ‘One Village, One Product’ should be materialized. |