Kathmandu, August 9 The private sector has hailed the consensus among political parties to demarcate the boundaries of the federal states citing the breakthrough in the major issue has ensured that the constitution will soon be promulgated. Along with this consensus, the private sector has expected stability in the country which will boost the momentum for economic progress. As federalism is an important and a new issue not only for the people but also the political leadership, private sector leaders have suggested that the system be implemented carefully and utilised for equitable development of the country. “All the six federal units are economically viable, and each has its comparative strengths and weaknesses,” said Pashupati Murarka, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). He also stressed that the new constitution must guarantee the freedom to conduct business in all federal states, which FNCCI has incorporated in its feedback in the draft of the new constitution. The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has said that each state has to identify and focus on their economic strengths to attain economic prosperity. Hari Bhakta Sharma, vice president of CNI, opined that the constitution must adopt a flexible provision to allow the states to join another state through referendum. As per Sharma, this provision will reduce the social problems that could emerge from issues related to race, ethnicity, and religion, among others. “Social problems could hinder states from moving forward towards economic progress and they will have to depend on the central government,” Sharma said, adding, “It is both a challenge and opportunity for the political leadership to show competency in building economically strong states.” Citing an example of Pradesh 6, Sharma said that though it is not economically strong at present, it has tremendous potential to develop if it can exploit the natural resources like hydro electricity, medicinal herbs, and high value agricultural products, among others. But the future of the states will depend on the leadership in the future, he said. “As compared to Pradesh 2, Pradesh 6 has less industrial potential though micro and medium scale industries can be established there,” Sharma said, adding, “Though there is strong industrial base in Pradesh 2, it does not have the possibility of hydropower development as compared to Pradesh 6.” Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has opined that all the states are economically viable and have the opportunities to develop in the future. NCC has stressed that states should focus on reducing tax related and administrative hassles to attract investment to foster avenues of economic progress.