Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 11:

Dr Tulsi Giri, vice-chairman of the council of ministers, on Sunday, said that the government is committed for creating a conducive environment for business-led growth in the country. At a programme organised to mark the Industry and Commerce Day-2005 by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Dr Giri reiterated the government’s commitment to promote liberal and broad-based economic policies. FNCCI has been marking April 10 as the Industry Commerce Day since 2056 BS. Calling upon all sides to extend cooperation to the government against terrorism and corruption, he said that they can be brought under control if collective efforts were made in that direction. “There might be difficulty for sometime because of the present situation. But the recent measures are not directed against any person or any political party per se. It has been imposed to combat terrorism collectively,” said Dr Giri, adding that an all-sector consensus is necessary for combating terrorism effectively.

Referring to the tremendous potential for economic development in Nepal, which might propel

the country towards prosperity, he said the country would make rapid progress through collective commitment of all Nepalis. Dr Giri said the economic policies to be adopted by Nepal would not be inferior compared to the two big and fast growing economies in the neighbourhood. He pointed out the need to learn a lot from these fast growing economies.

Appreciating FNCCI’s role in economic development of the country, he urged the business community to help in the drive against corruption. Binod Bahadur Shrestha, president of FNCCI, noted that the Nepali private sector is undergoing ‘one of the toughest time’ in history due to escalating violence. He also asked the government to protect Nepali business from terrorism and let the business community do their businesses in a free and fair manner.

Shrestha also asked the government to introduce effective fiscal policies by amending industrial, commerce and labour laws to create a conducive business environment.

On the occasion, the FNCCI National Excellence Award-2061 was conferred upon Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Ltd. Himalayan Snax and Noodles Pvt Ltd, Nepal Pharmaceuticals Lab and Nepali Paper Products were awarded with best industry award under the category of large, medium and small-scale industry respectively. Narayangarh, Tanahun, Lekhnath and Dolakha chambers were conferred with letters of appreciations as the best district and municipal chambers, while Floriculture Association of Nepal, Federation of Contractors Association of Nepal and Handicraft Association, Nepal were honoured as the best commodity association. Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry was awarded the best bilateral chamber. Dr Giri gave away awards and letters of appreciation on the occasion.