UML leader Poudel urges fair industrial development

CPN(UML) leader Bishnu Prasad Poudel has urged the concerned sides to not bias for economic and industrial development.

Inaugurating the Rupandehi Chamber of Commerce’s 43rd annual general assembly in Butwal on Saturday, former Minister for Finance Poudel viewed, “If we keep biased notion towards industrial development, it gives a negative message.”

The budget introduced during his leadership in the Ministry of Finance had addressed the needs and demands of the private sector, he said, blaming that the incumbent government had attempted to interfere with the budget for the current fiscal year.

He expressed concern that the incumbent government’s cavalier attitude towards the budget that incorporated positive and result-oriented planning for the industrial areas would impede the growth of the industrial areas in the country.

On a different note, he blamed that the incumbent government was hesitating to take forward the last phase of construction work in the Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

For the development of Motipur Industrial Area, the local entrepreneurs must take the lead, opined Poudel.

Also speaking at the program, former Minister for Industry in the Lumbini Province Lila Giri shared that various relief packages and subsidy packages were introduced during his leadership. He was of the view that if works were taken forward as per the plan and program introduced during his leadership, it would aid the development of the industrial sector.

Likewise, former Minister for Health in the Lumbini Province Bhoj Prasad Shrestha urged not to do politics in industrial affairs as he argued that politicization of the industrial sector would hinder industrial growth.

The Confederation of Nepalese Industries central vice-president Birendranath Pandey stressed an investment-friendly environment for the promotion of the private sector.

Lumbini Province’s Confederation of Nepalese Industries president Ajaj Alam underscored the need for replacing import-based economy by developing the industrial sector in the country.

A new committee has been elected in the leadership of Madhav Prasad Poudel for the two years term.