BHAKTAPUR: President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the importance of strengthening Nepal’s federal democratic republic by enhancing the national economy.

Speaking at the inauguration of Nagarkot Visit Year 2082, held at Batase Danda in Nagarkot, President Paudel stated that it is a shared responsibility to fortify the federal system and fulfill the public’s aspirations for rapid development.

“Tourism, agriculture, water resources, information technology, and industry are the backbone of the nation,” he said. “It is the State’s duty to formulate sound policies, enact supportive legislation, and create enabling conditions by resolving the challenges these sectors face in order to drive economic growth.”

He further highlighted the need to promote industrialization by fostering employment opportunities, ensuring an investment-friendly environment, and lowering production costs.

Underscoring the importance of infrastructure development, the President noted that cultural, historical, and religious heritage sites could be leveraged for economic advancement. He stressed that Nepal’s tourism sector has immense potential to contribute to income generation and prosperity by showcasing the area’s natural beauty, rich culture, and unique identity to both domestic and international audiences.

“Located near Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is surrounded by natural beauty and holds high potential to attract tourists,” he said. “Collaboration between the federal government, provincial authorities, and the four surrounding municipalities is crucial for modernizing and developing the area.”

President Paudel described Nagarkot as one of the country’s most preferred tourist destinations, known for its panoramic mountain views and breathtaking sunrise and sunset scenes. He commended the joint efforts of the four municipalities in promoting their heritage and historical landmarks, with Nagarkot at the center. He also stressed the need to expand tourism infrastructure and upgrade roads to facilitate easier travel.

Wishing all a joyful Nepali New Year, President Paudel expressed hope that the occasion would inspire collective efforts toward peace, sustainable development, an inclusive society, economic prosperity, and the strengthening of Nepal’s federal democratic system.

Also speaking at the event, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, emphasized the significance of Nagarkot’s cultural and historical landmarks. He announced plans to promote tourism in nearby areas such as Dhulikhel, Panauti, Namobuddha, Shivpuri, and Chandragiri, in collaboration with the four municipalities involved in the initiative.

He noted that while the tourism sector had suffered severe setbacks due to the earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is now gradually recovering. The government, he added, is committed to fostering economic growth and creating an investment-friendly environment by coordinating efforts across all three tiers of government.

Former minister and current Member of Parliament Gokul Baskota remarked that Nagarkot offers more than just mountain views and sunrises—it also has potential for “sky tourism” and water-based tourism in the Kavre region.

Bagmati Province’s Minister for Culture and Tourism, Bimal Thakuri, expressed hope that Nagarkot Visit Year 2082 would be a milestone in attracting more tourists to the region.

Changunarayan Municipality Mayor Jeevan Khatri said the initiative would accelerate the country’s economic development and called for Nagarkot to be officially designated a “tourist hub.”

Mayors Tok Bahadur Waiba (Mandan Deupur Municipality) and Shantiratna Shakya (Banepa Municipality) shared their optimism that the campaign—jointly organized by Changunarayan, Mandan Deupur, Banepa, and Shankharapur municipalities—would contribute significantly to the area’s economic upliftment.