KATHMANDU, AUGUST 14
Vice Chairperson of National Planning Commission Biswo Nath Poudel has said the economic transformation and poverty alleviation is only possible if the banking and financial institutions (BFIs) accelerate financial access to the general public by focusing investment on productive sectors.
Poudel said so while addressing a one-day conference titled 'Nepal Economic Outlook 2023 and Beyond' organised here by Banking, Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal (BFIN) today.
Likewise, Deputy Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank Nilam Dhungana Timsina, former governor of Bangladesh Bank Atur Rahman and CEO of Rastriya Banijya Bank Kiran Kumar Shrestha also addressed the first session of the conference and mentioned that such conferences could be effective for the revival of economy that is currently under pressure from external factors and liquidity crunch.
Meanwhile, 15 distinguished national and international speakers and personalities presented papers on various issues during the second session of the conference.
Prakash Kumar Shrestha, executive director of NRB, presented a paper on 'Macroeconomic Risks and Challenges of Nepali Economy' under the session 'Banking, Insurance and Economy', which was the main attraction of the conference. He said that special emphasis should be laid on import substitution and export promotion.
International speakers like former governor of Bangladesh Bank Rahman gave a special presentation on 'Global Economic Crisis and Leadership Challenges: A Regulatory Perspective' while Anukool Bhatnagar, chief general manager and head of State Bank of India, presented a working paper on 'The Bank in 2030'.
Likewise, CEO and Director of Microfinance Institutions Network India Alok Mishra presented a working paper on 'The Future of Microfinance: Prospect, Challenges and Opportunities' while addressing the theme of the microfinance sector.
Another attraction of the conference was the former vice president of the World Bank Bindu Nath Lohani presenting his views on 'Infrastructure Investment: Gap, Models and Opportunities'.
Similarly, Sushil Bhatta, CEO of Nepal Investment Board, spoke on 'Trend, Risk and Infrastructure Investment Outlook in Nepal', and also had a special interaction with the participants.
Ram Krishna Khatiwada, CEO of Nepal Infrastructure Bank, representing the banking sector made a presentation on 'Bankers' Perspective in Infrastructure Finance: Current Stance and Future Steps'.
The conference was attended by about 150 participants from banks and financial institutions, insurance companies, senior government officials, leaders of public and private industries and other distinguished delegates/professionals engaged in the public and private sectors.
A version of this article appears in the print on August 15, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.
