Speaking at a program organized to mark ten years of CNI, Chaudhary accused the political leaders of not becoming serious to economic issues and addressing private sector concerns. [break]
"The crucial economic sectors are in a bad shape and investment climate is deteriorating. Unfortunately, the government is still showing apathy to implement Investment Board and SEZ," he added.
Chaudhary called on the government to immediately reorient its vision and approach to the industrial sector. On the occasion, Chaudhary also highlighted the activities carried out by CNI during the past 10 years and disclosed its programs for coming years.
"CNI played important role in giving policy inputs and raising hope for high income regime. For future, it will focus on providing adequate space to young entrepreneurs, employers, women professionals and business personalities and novices," he added.
Interestingly, the grievance of the Finance Minister Surendra Pandey over the failure to activate Investment Board and SEZ was no less than Chaudhary´s. "We know the industrial development will not gain momentum without Investment Board and SEZ. But we also have to admit we have failed to garner broader understanding to implement them," he added.
Referring to the cases of South Asian countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which have made progress despite political unrest, Pandey said Nepal largely lagged behind over the years because the political leaders of the country lacked economic vision.
Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, meanwhile, noted that economy, after a year of gloom, was moving on the right track. "Compared to 2009/10, remittance flow has grown significantly and the balance of payment deficit as well as account deficit has dropped sharply over the first five months the current fiscal year," he added.
Former Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, meanwhile, expressed his dissatisfaction over economy catching reverse gear and critical economic issues failing to draw required attention of the policymakers.
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