Himalayan News Service

Hetauda, May 25

Industrialists and business leaders have urged for political stability and security in order to rescue the economy. They pointed out to increasing political malpractices, rampant corruption and bad governance as reasons that are pushing the country into deeper trouble.

“The time has come to unite all political parties, civil society and other concerned to pull out the country from this hard period,” said Ravi Bhakta Shrestha, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce (FNCCI) while inaugurating the 35th annual general meeting of Makawanpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) on Saturday.

“There will certainly be a dangerous moment for the national economy within four or five months, if we fail to take initiatives now to help it,” he warned. “We, industrialists and the business community should commit and join hands to ameliorate the situation,” he added.

Calling for unity among the business community, Shrestha said a collective voice could bring about economic developments. “The government should adopt business friendly programmes and flexible economic policies,” he continued.

Addressing the same programme, second vice-president of FNCCI, Rajendra Kumar Khetan argued that all the problems being faced by the country were due to the failure of adopting pro-people economic policies and effective implementation. “The forthcoming budget should ensure good governance, adopt strong controlling measures to rampant corruption and sustain security and stability.”

MCCI president Keshav Shrestha presided over the programme. The annual meeting will elect a new executive committee for the next three years.