Budget for next FY has programmes to revitalise economy, says outgoing Finance Minister

KATHMANDU: Outgoing Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has said that the budget for the upcoming fiscal year has charted out the country's development prospects and roadmap of the economy.

During a farewell meeting with officials from the Ministry of Finance, on Sunday, Finance Minister Pun expressed his satisfaction with his four-month-long ministerial tenure. He pledged to collaborate with the incoming finance minister, drawing from his experiences and lessons learned, to drive economic reforms in the country.

CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Pun highlighted that the budget for the forthcoming fiscal year contains programmes aimed at revitalising the economy and instilling hope in the private sector and youth.

"I have crafted this budget to inspire hope. I am content with my four-month-and-one-week tenure," shared Minister Pun.

He emphasised that the upcoming fiscal year's budget is a result of participatory processes involving multiple stakeholders. While acknowledging its implementation challenges, he noted that it is less ambitious than previous budgets.

Pun specifically highlighted the information technology (IT) sector's high priority in the budget. Additionally, sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, tourism, and production remain focal points.

"We possess competitive capacity in the IT sector also due to our geographical location," observed Minister Pun.