KATHMANDU, May 9: The Banking, Finance and Insurance Institute of Nepal (BFIN), in collaboration with the India-Nepal Centre of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), organized a high-level symposium on leveraging economic reforms for aspiring Nepal in Kathmandu.
The symposium titled “An Aspiring Nepal: How to Benefit from Economic Reforms?” brought together a distinguished assembly of thought leaders, policymakers, economists, and industry experts from Nepal and India to engage in comprehensive dialogue on Nepal’s economic reform agenda and the prospects for enhanced bilateral and regional collaboration.
In his welcome address, Dr. Binod Atreya, Managing Director of BFIN, set a purposeful tone for the program, while Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, in his keynote address offered compelling insights into India’s reform journey and outlining actionable lessons relevant to Nepal. Binod Chaudhary, Member of the House of Representatives and President Emeritus of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), underscored the critical role of a dynamic private sector in advancing effective economic reforms.
Dr. Prakash Kumar Shrestha, Member of Nepal’s National Planning Commission and Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Nepal, both of whom reaffirmed India's support for Nepal’s developmental aspirations, shared insightful ideas on leveraging economic reforms for an aspiring Nepal.
Additional distinguished speakers included Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President, FNCCI; Guru Prasad Paudel, Executive Director, Nepal Rastra Bank; Upendra Prasad Poudel, President, CBFIN; Ram Kumar Tiwari, MD & CEO, Nepal SBI Bank Ltd. and Anand Jha, Head of Government Engagement-India & South Asia, Visa Inc. The panel discussion, moderated by Atul K. Thakur, Secretary, India-Nepal Centre (PHDCCI), explored key themes such as policy innovation, financial sector transformation, and sustainable regional growth.
Bringing together policymakers, economists, and industry leaders, the symposium provided valuable insights into strengthening bilateral economic ties. With keynote addresses and discussions featuring distinguished experts, including Sanjeev Sanyal, Eminent Economist and Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, the program highlighted key areas where joint efforts can drive mutual prosperity. Focusing on actionable strategies, this platform encouraged deeper cooperation, innovation, and policy alignment to unlock shared economic potential, shaping a stronger and more prosperous future for both nations.
The organizers said the symposium provided valuable insights into the potential benefits of economic reforms for Nepal’s growth and development. Participants discussed strategies for leveraging these reforms to promote sustainability, prosperity, and job creation across the country. The event also fostered collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Nepal and neighboring countries, particularly India, to enhance the effectiveness of reform initiatives. Policymakers, economists, and industry leaders engaged in discussions on actionable steps Nepal can take to align with emerging regional economic trends. Overall, the symposium raised awareness about the crucial role of economic reforms in shaping Nepal’s future and emphasized the importance of ensuring inclusive growth that benefits all citizens.
The program witnessed active participation from senior government officials, corporate executives, academics, and media representatives. It served as a strategic forum to deliberate on practical economic reforms vital to Nepal’s long-term growth and self-reliance. This impactful initiative marked a significant step forward in enriching economic dialogue, reinforcing regional cooperation, and shaping a reform-oriented path toward a more prosperous Nepal.