KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said the government has been successful in its goal of laying the foundation for economic prosperity in the country.

In an address to the nation upon completion of one year in office, Prime Minister Oli today said the government was working honestly and spent the first year building the foundation. "Years ahead will be years of achievements and success," he said while claiming that the government would fulfil the commitments made during the elections in its five-year term.

The Prime Minister also urged all to think once, what the situation was when he took responsibility for governance and where we stand now. "Vicious circle of political transition has ended and stability has been achieved. This has formed a strong foundation for us to focus on long-term development planning."

As we marched ahead with the historical goal of building a prosperous Nepal, we have been able, armed with integrity and loyalty, to overcome such obstacles, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to do so.

PM Oli also welcomed constructive suggestions, comments and criticisms of the people as guidelines for the government. He said it was people's sovereign right to warn and caution the government, elected with their trust and confidence.

However, Prime Minister Oli said, "But it will not be good to disappoint people, portray a negative image about the country's future, and make people frustrated by ventilating ill feelings with the aim of creating a perpetual cycle of instability in the society."

Sharing highlights of the past year, Prime Minister Oli said the Ship Office inaugurated today morning was to ensure that we have ships for transportation. There will be a day when people will get to buy tickets and board the ships, he added.

Furthermore, 497 kilometres (km) of new road was constructed during the year with 7,500 km of roads repaired and 417 suspension bridges installed. Encouraging progress has been achieved on Kathmandu-Tarai Fast Track. We have also reached the point of operating Nepal's own train, with the completion of Jayanagar-Kurta railway.

The Prime Minister also said the previous year saw tremendous progress in Nepal's relation with neighbours and on the broad foreign policy front. "It is a matter of satisfaction that Nepal's voice is being heard in regional and international forums. Attraction, appreciation and confidence of the global community towards Nepal have grown."

He also cited Nepal's maiden participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland as recognition of the increasing business profile of Nepal.