'Unfriendly environment hinders investment'

RAMECHHAP, July 16: Concerned authorities of the district have complained that lack of proper business environment in the district has been hindering entrepreneurs from making investments.

Representatives from eight local units, local entrepreneurs and other local authorities made such remarks, speaking at a talk program on the prospect and identification of industries.

At the event organized on Sunday by the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI), the stakeholders said that policy level changes should be made to develop industry-friendly environment. Ramesh Basnet, mayor of Manthali Municipality, said that though there are many industries in the district, challenges at the policy level have been creating hindrances for growth.

Basnet said that the provincial government should frame timely laws to create proper business environment in the district.

Jagannath Dahal, general secretary of Ramechhap Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that at a time when most of the youths were leaving country for foreign employment, the government should create an environment where there was respect to all kind of workers and laborers.

Dahal said that government should work to mobilize the youth effectively for economic development of the country.

“There is enough production potential in our district; however, there is lack of proper market for the produced goods,” Basnet said. He said that the local goods are not able to compete with imported goods for various reasons.

There are many people who run after taking grants in the name of industries, he said, adding that grants were usually given on the basis of political connections. He said that prosperity could be achieved only if local production could get proper market.

He said that even if there was less production, at least the people should be qualified enough to sell their skills and earn good livelihood.

According to Durga Shrestha, president of local community forest association, local resources should be utilized in production. “We discuss everything in paper, but practical approach is necessary after theoretical discussion,” he said.

Nar Bahadur Thapa Magar, mayor of Ramechhap Municipality, said that local unit is compelled to limit itself due to lack of policies. “We can start to promote the local production in the beginning, but we will need the support of the federal government later,” he said.