Kathmandu, June 12:

Leaders of various political parties today underlined the need to forge a common outlook for the development of industrial sector in the country. They also stressed the need to provide adequate security to the sector.

Leaders at an interaction on ‘industrialisation’, organised by the Centre for Public Policy Dialogue (CPPD), pointed out the need to build an all-party consensus on economy and industrial development.

Dilip Kumar Upadhyay, central committee member of Nepali Congress (Democratic) said, “Political parties should arrive at a common vision for national development and its implementation.” He added that there should be a clear understanding between industrialists and the labour about profit sharing.

He urged political parties to formulate a code of conduct to be strictly followed by their sister organisations to stop bandhs and transport disruptions.

Upadhyay further added that the industry should be kept free from politicisation.

Keshab Badal, central committee member of CPN-UML, said, “To develop the industrial sector, there is a need for a long-term industrial policy, which should be inked with the consensus of all political parties.” He condemned the government for not being able to provide security to people and industries.

“For the development of the industrial sector, there is a need for a well-developed infrastructure, adequate energy supply, capable human resources and a positive relationship between the industrial sector and the state,” said Badal.

Anil Kumar Jha, joint-general secretary of Nepal Sadbhabana Party (Anandidevi) said, “For

the past two and half months, the ministry of industry is without a secretary, which has hampered many work in the ministry.” He added that the government has not shown any interest in this regard.

Anil Bhandari, central committee member of Nepali Congress said, “To develop the industrial sector, there is a need for transformation of the economic sector and political parties should have a common minimum agenda for the formulation of economic policy.”