CNI celebrates 21st anniversary

KATHMANDU: At the 21st annual general assembly of the CNI, president Rajesh Agrawal stated that the private sector is currently seeking encouragement and respect from the government. He highlighted the weakened morale of the private sector and urged the government to take steps to improve it. He emphasized that boosting the morale of entrepreneurs is crucial for increasing economic activity.

Agrawal also expressed concern about the declining overall market demand. He pointed out that industries are currently operating at only 40% of their capacity.  

"The increasing closure of industries, the rising number of companies blacklisted, and the debt burden are the main problems of the economy right now," he said. "Additionally, the 16-hour load shedding has disrupted the production cycle."

He further stated that the private sector is currently seeking stable policies, policies friendly to domestic industries, and government and political stability. He recommended that the upcoming budget include policies that protect domestic industries.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) addressed the CNI's 21st-anniversary celebration, stating that the economy can only be revitalized through cooperation with the private sector.

"The government is serious about improving the economy," said Prime Minister Prachanda. "I am also clear that the economy can be made dynamic only through cooperation with the private sector. The government has taken and will continue to take positive interventions to improve the economy."

He clarified that the government is working responsibly to boost private sector morale, create an investment-friendly environment, and encourage results-oriented work.

Mentioning the efforts made through the current fiscal year's policies and programs and budget, he informed that the government is not only working to strengthen the economy but also preparing to send a message of renewed enthusiasm and confidence for the public to see.

"The government is committed to focusing on production and employment even amidst pressure, and to create self-confidence among the people," said Prime Minister Prachanda. "We will move forward with the monetary policy accordingly. There is a need to not only improve the economy but also bring about some qualitative results, and that will be done."

Highlighting that the problems of the private sector are the problems of the economy, Prime Minister Prachanda stated, "The problems of the private sector are the problems of the economy. This government has the full capacity to solve the problems in the economy, and it will solve them."

Mentioning that recent times have shown significant positive indicators for the economy's improvement, Prime Minister Prachanda expressed confidence that the current fiscal year will be a promising year for the economy.

"We are organizing the third International Investment Summit right at the beginning of the new year. Dozens of laws are in the process of being amended to create an environment conducive to attracting foreign investment," said Prime Minister Prachanda. "In this sense, 2081 BS can be seen as a promising year."

Expressing hope for the export of goods and services, Prime Minister Prachanda said that the export of products like electricity, steel sheets, and cement will strengthen the country's economy. 

He also mentioned the significant improvement in tourist arrivals and the promising signs from the information technology sector. He expressed his belief that such activities will contribute significantly to national income and capital formation.