BIRGUNJ, Jan 12: Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada has claimed an improvement in the economic sector of the country. Speaking at the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Finance Minister Khatiwada said the country's economic growth country in the current fiscal year 2019/2020 will maintain 5% to 8%. According to Khatiwada, complains from local areas are decreasing which is the sign of improvement. Khatiwada said that the media reports about the government increasing the target of collecting revenue rather than making development in economic area is not true and the government focuses on creating investment friendly revenue collection.

According to Khatiwada, government has no intention of punishing entrepreneurs and is not only  focused on collecting revenue rather the government is focused on economic development and progress. “There is no excuse in crime, I also should go to jail if I have committed some crime,” said Khatiwada, “Transparent and honest entrepreneurs should not be suspicious, and we have wanted to move together with those entrepreneurs. In the act of revenue leakage there is fine of Rs 5 million and jail for three years.” The laws are practical; punishment of jail is reduced and normal cases are looked after by Revenue Investigation Department, according to Khatiwada.

The government believes that it is not appropriate to send entrepreneurs to prison for common business cases. Vehicle/Cargo Tracking System (VCTS) is implemented as there were a lot of complaints regarding fraud, stealing in business, according to Khatiwada. The Nijgadh Kathmandu fast track will be completed in upcoming five years in 2024. Khatiwada claimed that the second international airport will be constructed in the proposed place as it is another alternative of Tribhuvan International Airport. 

The government does not have any new plans to establish universities and the provincial government can  take the lead to establish a Provincial University. Khatiwada advised the provincial government to establish a university in Birgunj. He has also responded positively to the demands from the association.

Gopal Kodiyal, chairperson of Birgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industries, has demanded construction of Nijgadh airport, budget for installation of CCTV camera for security, installation of VCTS in import cargo in upcoming five years, removal of compulsory PAN card and bank account for laborers, and easy process in renewal of commercial firms.       

 
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