Kathmandu, September 12: Nepal has urged the foreign countries to invest in mega infrastructures in view of the country making headway to prosperity with political stability. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Yogesh Bhattarai, has reminded that Nepal is the best place for the domestic and foreign investments. “Nepal is prepared to welcome the investment and propel development,” he added.
The Minister was speaking at the session titled ‘Infrastructures and Regional Connectivity’ as part of Nepal Infrastructure Summit 2019 organized by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructures and Transport Management, and Confederation of Nepalese Industries in the federal capital on Wednesday. “There is not any problem for investors in Nepal. Nijgadh international airport in Bara will be accomplished in five years at any cost,” he assured, making it clear that the government was effortful to make Nepal’s aviation sector more reliable.
According to him, Nepal has got more than 60 percent of the safety audit carried by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “We’re now moving ahead for water transport. We’re in the position to make huge progress in railway service too,” he viewed. Opening of more border points, construction of four-lane East-West highway are other important tasks in the list. On the occasion, former Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr Swarnim Wagle, underscored the need for the country to increase investment in physical infrastructures, inter-connectivity, information technology, long-term plan.
“Government should boost investment to bridge the growing gap between Nepal’s urban and rural developments,” he suggested. He also stressed the importance of the digital economy. Similarly, former director-general of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Noritada Morita, viewed, “Present need in the south and east Asia is physical infrastructures and elevation of people’s income.” Foreign Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi shared that Nepal has expanded its trade relations with the neighbors.
Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation, Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, said Nepal has already prepared a long-term plan on the energy sector and was planning to export at least 5,000 MW electricity to the neighbors soon. Indian planning expert Rajiv Malhotra said trade promotion along with sustainable plans was imperative in the region. RSS
