Kathmandu, October 15:

The third Global NRN (Non-resident Nepali) Conference 2007 kicked off here today amidst a colourful event.

Addressing the the three-day long conference after inaugurating Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala assured NRNs of his support to the issues raised by them.

He also urged the NRN community to join hands with the local private sector to increase investment.

He appealed the NRNs to join hands with the local communities to eradicate poverty. “NRNs should speed up socio-development activities by investing in projects that benefit a larger section of society,” Koirala said adding that there is a good scope for investment in Nepal and NRNs should exploit it.

The Premier also assured that the government is committed to bring in rules and regulations with consultation with them. “I’m always with you,” he added.

Lauding the role of NRNs in socio-economic development of the country, foreign minister Sahana Pradhan said the government is ready to provide all the support necessary for facilitating NRN investment in business and service sector.

Presenting a keynote speech, Mahabir Pun, a Magsaysay Award winner, urged the NRNs to join hands with local communities for their socio-economic development efforts in the areas of micro-hydropower, tourism and promoting Nepali products in international markets.

Dr Upendra Mahato, president of the NRN Association-International Coordination Council (NRNA-ICC) urged to review the NRN Act, which, according to him is incomplete. Mahato also asked the government to formulate regulations in order to get NRN-Association registered in Nepal within this year.

According to Mahato, NRNs have already invested an estimated of $300 million in health, education, hydropower, banking, IT and other sectors.

The conference is being organised jointly by the government, NRNA-ICC and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of FNCCI, said that the Nepali private sector has been working closely with the NRNs to facilitate their various activities in Nepal. He asked the government to make sure that there would be consistency in policies and conducive socio-political environment.

Some 500 representatives from over 40 countries are participating in the conference, which will formulate new NRN policies and elect a new leadership.

The first and second NRN conferences were held in 2003 and 2005 in Kathmandu.