“As this government has been formed under special circumstances, we have to work accordingly to deal with the emerging challenges. We are announcing full-fledged budget soon for the current fiscal year in consultation with political parties,” Koirala said, talking to media persons after assuming office on Tuesday.[break]
Koirala, who worked as a section officer at the finance ministry 17 years ago, returned to the ministry after a long gap. The former bureaucrat, who is also looking after the portfolio of Commerce and Supplies as well as Industry, said promoting good governance and expediting development activities are among his top priorities. He also said the full-fledged budget is necessary for macro-economic stability and higher economic growth. Koirala said formulation of budget for current and coming fiscal years would go simultaneously.
“We have limited time to give full-fledged shape to the existing budget,” Koirala said, adding, “We also need to start preparation for the coming fiscal year. So, we have no alternative to speed up our work.”
Koirala assumes office. (Photo: Bhaswor Ojha)
At a time when incidences of attack on business people and business organizations by different groups is increasing, Koirala also expressed commitment to boost confidence of private sector by creating investment friendly environment in the country.
Attacks on tourism entrepreneur BK Shrestha by cadres of UCPN (Maoist) and Ncell headquarters by CPN (Maoist) activists are the latest in a series of attacks on the business sector.
“Attacks on business people and organizations have emerged as one of the major barriers in promoting investment in the country. I will make serious efforts to restore the confidence of business people,” added Koirala, who has also performed duties as the secretary at the Ministry of Industry.
Zero tolerance on corruption
Meanwhile, Koirala stressed the need to increase mobilization of internal and external resources of the government.
Addressing ministry officials, Koirala said, “I will show zero tolerance toward corruption which is a major factor affecting good governance.”
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