KATHMANDU, April 23: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stressed taking the private sector into confidence and spreading a message that there is an investment-friendly environment in the country.

Addressing the Investment Board Nepal’s meeting at New Baneshwor today, PM Dahal opined that the private sector should be facilitated rather than controlled to ensure development and prosperity. The PM argued that the idea of controlling was not acceptable in today's world parlance.

"A new model for development should be charted by taking the private sector into confidence. There will be no development unless the private sector is taken into confidence," Dahal reiterated.

He asserted that the people’s aspirations and expectations could be fulfilled by adopting the policy that encourages development and thus instructed the Board's officials to work towards that.

As for the upcoming third investment summit, the head of the government opined that only practical projects should be projected and pitched rather than merely presenting a 'wish-list' during the summit. The summit is due in less than a week in Kathmandu.

According to the PM, some Acts were amended prior to the Summit which would give an impetus to attract foreign investment. "Let's organize the Summit and give a new message," he encouraged, pointing out the need to simplify procedures and other works related to development projects.

The PM insisted that the political leadership should be able to deal with the difficulties arising while delivering some good works. Stating that priority should be given to the steel industry, he underscored that work should be done seriously for the establishment of such industries.

Furthermore, he instructed the Board to prioritize irrigation related projects to generate as many jobs in the agriculture sector as possible. He also drew the attention of the Board to accelerate stalled development projects.