FM seeks common ground in economic agenda
KATHMANDU,JUNE 14:
Finance minister Barshaman Pun has urged political parties to formulate a common agenda for economic issues to give life to the economy during this political transition.
The transition period has been prolonged, so we need
a common minimum understanding among the various political parties regarding the economic agenda for peace and prosperity, he said during the release of ‘Economy in the eyes of an entrepreneur’, a book penned by entrepreneur Binod Chaudhary today.
“There is no option other than to prioritise the economy to escape from the current crisis,” he said, adding that greater political consensus is needed to bring out the country from the current problem. “I will consult political parties to build a consensus on common minimum agendas,” he said, adding, “UCPN-Maoist will not take any action that will hamper the growth of the private sector.”
He requested the private sector and political parties to not doubt the UCPN-Maoist regarding the economic agenda. “We want to add cooperatives only as development partners and the private sector will always be in the leading role,” he assured. He asked help from political parties to bring the budget on time.
“A delay in the budget will cause problems to the economy, so let’s join hands and bring the budget,” he said. According to him, the government is ready to incorporate agendas of all stakeholders in the forthcoming budget.
However, former finance minister Surendra Pandey had doubts about a consensus budget from the Dr Baburam Bhattarai-led government. “The country is in a difficult situation but the government is not serious about resolving the problems,” said Pandey, adding that the government is in mood to introduce an expansionary budget.
Senior economist and former finance minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat said that it is an appropriate time to formulate a common economic agenda. “The government must take the initiative to build common economic agendas and ensure the safety of investments,” he said, “Unless the government builds a safe environment, investment will not pick up. Investment seeks safety first and then profits.”
Former finance minister Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani said that the country has a huge potential for economic development but it has been marginalised. “The government is selling dreams of double digit growth but it is not possible in a transition period.” he said, “It is not difficult to obtain six to seven per cent growth if the budget gives priority to potential sectors like agriculture, tourism, hydropower and large infrastructure projects.”
Former finance minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari suggested the government to
lay emphasis on the export sector. “Investment in agriculture is a better option in a transition period. Off season vegetables and fruits have a huge market in China and India,” said Adhikari.
Former Nepal Rastra Bank governor Himalaya Samsher JBR said that the country is in a miserable condition only due to the ignorance of the political parties about an economic agenda. “Subsequent governments since the 1950s have not given priority to economic issues,” he said.
Finance minister Pun releases book
Finance minister Barshaman Pun released a book ‘Economy in the eyes of an entrepreneur’ by Binod Chaudhary amid a function on Wednesday. Pun said that the book brings out the desire of entrepreneurs to see a prosperous Nepal. “It has analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepali economy and provides an insight on how to develop better plans,” he said. Writer Chaudhary pointed the book as a record of his career spanning 25 years. “It is a collection of my thoughts on the economy and my work,” he said.
Source: THT
