Kathmandu, November 8:

The successful conclusion of peace talks between the seven party alliance and the Maoists at the wee hours of November 8 has kicked off a flurry of industry reactions, bordering on euphoria to apprehensions about newer kinds of unrest. While the business community in general and most industry heads have hailed the much-awaited agreement, some have averred that it might just be too early to start celebrating.

Chandi Raj Dhakal, president, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries

It is a long-awaited historic decision to create peace and stability for the welfare of Nepali people. Nepali private sector welcomes this historic decision. We hope that it would enhance the living standards of people by the promotion of business and economic activities.

We thank the Maoists and seven party alliance for the peace accord. However, signing peace

accord is just 20 per cent of the target. The rest can be realised only after its Implementation.

Dhruba Shrestha, president, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents

The peace accord between the Maoists and the seven party alliance is a great success for the whole country. This will definitely bring peace at present for the larger good of people. The peace accord would ultimately advance economic development. There will no be disturbance in the country and tourists will find a better environment here. However, there is a problem of air seats when more tourists come to Nepal. Airlines seats should be increased to boost tourism.

Prasiddha Pandey, president, Nepal-USA Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The peace accord between the political parties and the Maoists is a unique modality for the whole world. Maoists and politicians have proved that they can resolve the problems and move towards national development. It is a glorious event for all of us. It means that there will be political stability. The next step is economic revolution that needs to materialise ultimately. Hoteliers are celebrating this achievement as a festival, which has been decided by Hotel Association Nepal (HAN).

G D Shreshtha, managing director, Nepal Airlines

Travel and tourism is going to see a major boom now. There has been an upswing tourist numbers ever since peace talks had started two months back. While most airlines had been operating with half empty seats since the turbulence broke out, of late, all of them have been flying to full capacity. That probably explains the arrival of three international airlines, GMC of Bangladesh, Air Arabia and Korean Airlines, which starts flying in from November 13.

Manish Mishra, assistant general manager, LIC, Nepal

The most important requirement of insurance companies is the free movement of its marketing agents who bring business, which was severely hampered due to frequent bandhs for a prolonged period now. With this agreement for peace, that situation is bound to improve. Further more, once displaced people begin to earn regular incomes once again, they would be in a better position to buy news policies and pay insurance premiums regularly.

Surendra Bir Malakar, president, Nepal Chamber Commerce

We heartily welcome the peace agreement. We are sure that this will ensure long lasting peace and stability, under which business and industry will flourish. However, we have to be careful about its effective implementation. Future activities will have to be carried out according to people’s aspirations. We are hopeful that all concerned parties and the government will create a conducive industrial and business environment. Common people, including the private sector, will now be able to live without terror and violence.

Shankar Agarwal, chairman, Shankar Group

The positive impact of this peace accord between the Maoists and the seven party alliance will actually take another two to three years to materialise or wipe off the era of extortion, labour indiscipline and unrest. For all one knows, the Maoists cadres may break up into warring factions to create further turmoil. Although an importance milestone, it might be premature to feel completely jubilant about the accord.

Bikash Rana, president, Airlines Operators Association of Nepal

We are very hopeful and enthusiastic about a tourism boom in Nepal now. The historic agreement will definitely send a positive message to international travelers, which in turn will help Nepali tourism and eventually, the national economy. We are hopeful that more and more airlines will start flying to Nepal and the domestic aviation sector will also flourish

with a great vigour and enthusiasm. We really want the agreed points to be implemented

seriously.

Rajendra Kumar Khetan, president, Socio-Economic Young Entrepreneurs Forum

The Nepali private sector is overwhelmed by the historic agreement and is hopeful that lasting peace and security will be ensured. Nepali industrialisation, which was slackened due to prolonged conflict, will now thrive in this stable environment. The private sector is ready to lend its support in making a new and economically prosperous Nepal. The success however of any agreement will depend on its implementation. For making it successful, good governance and winning people’s hearts are very essential.

R M Singh, ex-president, Nepal Freight Forwarders Association

It’s a giant leap forward for Nepal’s political as well as socio-economic development. Like all common people, entrepreneurs and business community have been eagerly waiting for this moment. Now implementation is crucial, which we need to monitor closely. Once peace and security are ensured, tourism, trade and business will certainly flourish. The government should now initiate structural cha-nges in policy and administrative fields. This will lead to a new Nepal economically.

Prakash Shrestha, president, Hotel Association, Nepal

We have taken the agreement as a dawn of a new Nepal. Following this historic agreement, Nepali tourism industry is hopeful to see brighter days ahead and bring changes in the national economy. The industry, which suffered heavily during the period of conflict, will now rise to new heights with more and more tourists visiting Nepal. This will establish a lasting peace and pave the way for economic prosperity and development, allowing withering businesses to revive.

Balakrishna Shreshtha, chairman, Hama Group

We would like to wait and watch the situation for the moment. We can’t say anything right now. With fresh conflicts breaking out at Kupandol and Patan in Lalitpur today and the Maoists forcing themselves into people’s homes, there could be new kinds of problems to grapple with. The real impact of this peace deal will only be clear over a period of time.