"Though the aircraft procurement process was initiated by the tourism ministry, we have decided to pursue it further,” finance minister Barsha Man Pun said. [break]
“We have asked the tourism ministry to initiate the process for selecting the suppliers, as the Chinese government policy makes signing of supply tender agreement mandatory for inking the loans agreement”
Talking to media persons in Libang on Friday, Pun said the government was procuring eight Chinese aircraft under the deal. "The Chinese government will provide two of the aircraft - Harbin Y-12 and MA 60 Turboprop -- under grant assistance,” he added.
MoTCA had earlier disclosed a plan to procure three 58-seater MA 60 Turboprop and five 19-seater Harbin Y-12 for Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC). NAC officials have said they plan to operate small aircraft in domestic routes and medium aircraft for cross-border flights.
Referring to the latest macroeconomic situation of the country, Pun said the country´s economy has grown stronger, laying down the base whereby the country can enjoy much higher economic growth in the near future. “Economy this year will grow at 5 percent and we have huge balance of payment (BoP) surplus.
Foreign currency reserve too has crossed over Rs 370 billion," he said, adding that the revenue collection as at the first half of 2011/12 has jumped to Rs 111 billion and total expenditure too stands at Rs 111 billion.
He also said the government´s foremost objective was to conclude the peace process, issue the new constitution, lay down base for economic prosperity and bolster good governance.
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