With the delay in the budget, we cannot make our plans to move forward. We are waiting for new programmes and policies.”

•••

“We know that our country is passing through transition but how can the others know. They don’t care about transition, they want to invest and know the investment policy of the new government as soon as possible.”

•••

“Politics has again pushed economic agenda on the back burner. This is a sad day for the business community as this will not only hit it hard but also the country.”

•••

“The Bill has discouraged the private sector. People are waiting for an economic revolution after the CA poll. The Bill does not give out a positive message. Lack of budget allocation might leave short-term and long-term impact on revenue collection and development. Inflation also could go up and threaten the fiscal balance.”

•••

“The government failed to make the Bill a precedent. A Common Minimum Programme from all the political actors for economic development would have been

welcome.”

•••

“Investors’ confidence in the government is slowly decreasing. The Bill has failed to encourage the private sector.

After the decade-long insurgency, the private sector

was anticipating something more proactive from the

government.”