Rabi Lamichhane Urges Business Community to Invest Confidently, Pledges Policy Reforms

Kathmandu. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane has urged businessmen to invest with confidence, stating that the contribution of the private sector is indispensable for improving the country's economy. 

In a discussion with industrialists and businessmen, he said that the government and political parties must bring about a fundamental change in their approach towards the private sector.

 Claiming that RSP's concept of 'Economy-Politics' will solve the problems of businessmen, he clarified that politics is meaningless if it cannot invigorate the market, create employment, and attract foreign investment.

He announced the end of the situation where businessmen have to flatter any political party or leader to operate their businesses. He stated that although in the past they were compelled to knock on the doors of political leadership out of necessity, that situation will no longer exist. Lamichhane assured that the state's policies, not personal connections, will secure investment and business, clarifying that businessmen will not have to join any party or pay donations.

He also clarified the government's stance on the recent fear and crackdown seen among industrialists and businessmen. While conducting a good governance campaign, honest businessmen should not be intimidated, he said, adding that economic crimes or revenue irregularities will be resolved through economic fines and legal processes rather than criminal prosecution. 

He stated that the effort is only to remove thorns, not to harm the body. However, he warned of being ruthless in major scams carried out by capturing state mechanisms and called on businessmen to cooperate with the legal process by conducting internal audits.

Lamichhane informed that preparations are underway to declare the information technology sector a 'national strategic industry' to develop it as the backbone of Nepal's economy. He stated that the digital economy will play a significant role in reducing the country's growing trade deficit and providing employment to youth within the country. 

In the upcoming budget, he said that legal obstacles for payment gateways will be removed, tax concessions will be provided, and a conducive environment will be created for companies exporting software to connect startups with the global market.

He also shared plans to work on the concept of 'Infrastructure Emergency' to end the delays in the construction of national pride projects and important road infrastructure. He revealed that a new work plan is being brought to stop the tendency of projects dragging on for decades by working 24 hours a day in three shifts. Citing important road sections like Daunne as examples, he clarified that the situation of waiting for years for roads will no longer exist and the technical capacity of the private sector will be fully utilized in construction.

Lamichhane stated that Nepal has now adopted a policy of focusing its foreign relations on 'economic diplomacy'. He said that meetings with foreign partners will no longer be limited to mere conversations but will be based on economic indicators and achievements.

 He expressed the desire to send a message to the world that Nepal is safe for foreign investment, stating that the height of relations is meaningless if benefits cannot be derived from the two large neighbors.

Similarly, he pledged that no citizen will be rendered homeless during the management of squatters and unorganized settlements. He urged that this should be understood as a transitional contribution to nation-building, as the attempt is to end the compulsion of living in constant fear along riverbanks. He claims that genuine squatters will be provided with safe housing.