Finance Minister Urges Private Sector to Invest Confidently, Pledges Pro-Investment Reforms

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has encouraged the private sector to invest with greater confidence, assuring businesses that the government is committed to fostering a secure and investment-friendly environment.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the Ministry of Finance's budget implementation discussion series, the Minister said the government is prepared to create favourable conditions for investment while ensuring its protection.

He noted that the government's Rs. 2,124 billion budget is designed to support the country's Rs. 6,600 billion economy, with the private sector expected to play a leading role in driving economic growth.

Highlighting the reform-oriented nature of the budget, Dr. Wagle said it includes several measures aimed at expanding investment opportunities for businesses. He also called on industrialists and entrepreneurs to identify any remaining policy hurdles that require government attention.

The Minister said the current fiscal year marks the beginning of the government's five-year economic roadmap. He added that a number of reform initiatives have already been launched, with several more planned in the coming years, and urged the private sector to work closely with the government in implementing these reforms.

The discussion session, held on Tuesday, lasted for around five hours and brought together more than two dozen representatives from the business community. During the interaction, the Minister assured participants that concerns related to excise and customs duties, export incentives, and the banking sector would be addressed through an institutional mechanism.