Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON) held a group discussion on economic issues on the occasion of its 26th anniversary on Thursday. The discussion was held with the participation of political leaders and representatives of all three umbrella organisations of the private sector and stakeholders.
Addressing the programme of SEJON, Finance Minister Janardan Sharma claimed that the country did not experience economic crisis, however, it continues to deal with some challenges in the relevant sector.
In his address, he said it would be a wrong assessment to understand the economy was in crisis. “But still there are some challenges and they should be addressed in collaboration with the private sector.” According to Minister Sharma, domestic economic indices are improving and lately, there is an increment in the foreign exchange reserves and remittance inflows. He explained, Nepal opted for a mixed economy and in this economic system, a sudden rise and fall is unlikely.
Likewise, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said the country’s economy had been on the path to improvement. foreign exchange reserves were gradually increasing, and other problems in the country’s economy resolving. Balance of payment remained at a surplus of Rs 6 billion this year as compared to a deficit of Rs 88 billion last year, NRB Governor Adhikari said. There was no need for the private sector to worry about, he said and added, “We are ready to resolve any problems being faced by the private sector.”
In the discussion, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa emphasized that collaboration with the private sector is necessary to resolve problems being faced by the country’s economy. He shared the next government would collaborate with the private sector. “Country’s economy cannot run in this situation”, he opined, adding the next government would prioritise and carry out activities in collaboration with the private sector. He mentioned that support of the private sector is necessary to make the economy strong.
