'Self-sufficient economy must for national development'

 People contributing significantly to the political, economic and diplomatic sectors of the country have expressed views that the nation should be self-reliant for political stability, dynamic economy and guarantee of security.

At a programme on 'Nepal's Past and Present Economic Diplomacy' organised by an organisation, Institute of Integrated Development Studies (IIDS), here Friday, they stressed political stability, sustainable economic development, cultural identity and its preservation, economic diplomacy in national and international security system as essentials to ensure country's headway to prosperity.

The speakers pointed out the need of addressing ills and aberrations taking place due to costly election system in the country, building internal unity among national forces in favour of entire nation and people, resolving unemployment problems by creating investment-friendly environment, stopping brain drain of the youths and bringing in foreign investment and giving priority to the economic diplomacy.

On the occasion, Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader and former Finance Minister and Foreign Minister, Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani, shared that Nepal, which is rich in natural heritages, is lagging behind due to power-centric politics. He viewed the country should attract foreign countries and international bodies willing to invest in Nepal after winning the trust of neighbouring countries- India and China first.

Similarly, former permanent representative of Nepal to the United Nations, Prof Dr Jayraj Acharya, viewed the Nepali Army which has earned fame to the country through peacekeeping mission could be utilized for country's development, establishment of peace, systematic agriculture, and infrastructures building as well.

According to him, enforcing the scheme of right persons in right place could help boost economic diplomacy.

Chairperson of the organisation, lawmaker and economist Dr Swarnim Wagle drew the attention of the stakeholders to bring in investment of Nepali communities scattered across the globe as well as international agencies by assuring investment-friendly rules and laws. State mechanisms need further orderliness and strength for it, he added.

The organisation was established at the initiative of Dr Lohani, Dr Bhesh Bahadur Thapa and former Chief Secretary and Economist Kul Shekhar Sharma around 40 years ago.

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