The ninth Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Global Conference kicked off in the capital on October 15. Inaugurating the three-day event, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari urged NRNs to inject investment into the country and support the government in achieving economic growth and prosperity. “The political transition has been completed and Nepal today is focusing on economic growth and development. In this context, Nepali diaspora should bring in foreign investment and technology into the country and support its development journey,” said Bhandari. Similarly, President Bhandari also urged NRNs to invest in mega infrastructure projects and support the upcoming Visit Nepal 2020 tourism campaign of the government. “NRNs have an important role in country’s development. They should explore the prospects of raising investment in tourism, infrastructure and agriculture sectors,” she added.
Addressing the conference, Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada implored NRNs to whole-heartedly invest in the infrastructure sector citing that business environment in Nepal has improved a lot compared to the past. Informing that the government is also committed to ensure business security to investors, Khatiwada urged NRNs to tap into the potential of infrastructure, mines, education, health, agriculture and hydropower sectors. “Business returns are comparatively higher in Nepal for investors. Similarly, the government is serious about addressing business-related concerns, including the double taxation issue,” said Khatiwada. Similarly, he also asked NRNs to invest in the share market, as the government is in the last stage of allowing Nepali diaspora to invest in the secondary market.
The three-day event organised with the theme of ‘Me, My NRNA and My Nepal’ saw participation of more than 2,500 representatives from 51 countries. However, NRNA’s founding president Upendra Mahato boycotted the NRNA conference this year citing increasing politics in the association.
