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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has appealed to all the oppressed classes, ethnicities and communities to express their solidarity in implementing identity and the national issues.

At a program to declare the launching of the Bagmati Province Government's Language of Government Works Act, 2080 and the Language Day 2024 today, PM Dahal made this appeal, calling on the oppressed classes, castes and communities to protect their rights by identifying their true representative.

Referring to the establishment of a constitutional system with federalism, republicanism, secularism, inclusion and proportionality, the prime minister stressed that the solidarity of all should be expressed to complete the constitution.

"My party and I had waged a major struggle to establish identity and rights in the new constitution. We had played a decisive role for whatever rights were written in the constitution," Prime Minister Dahal said, "Therefore, I heartily appeal to all the oppressed classes, castes and communities on this historic occasion to recognize their real representatives and show solidarity in the implementation of the national issue of identity and rights."

Prime Minister Dahal expressed the belief that if sincere and continuous efforts are made, the remaining rights to be institutionalized in the constitution will gradually be established.

Stating that the constitution provides that in addition to the Nepali language, the province can decide on one or more other national languages spoken by the majority of the people in the province as the language for government works, the Prime Minister expressed his happiness that the Act passed by the Bagmati Provincial Assembly on the recommendation of the Language Commission to make provision for the provincial government's official language has been implemented.

Stating that he had decided to celebrate Nepal Sambat as a national calendar during his first term as Prime Minister, PM Dahal said it was decided to make Nepal Sambat mandatory in the official documents in his third term and clarified that the implementation of that decision is underway.

The Head of Government stressed on the need to strengthen internal nationalism along with establishing identity and rights, stating that today is a special day of pride for those who want independence, self-respect and prosperity of the country.

Prime Minister Dahal said, "This day has given important inspiration and energy to the aspiration and commitment to build a socialist-oriented advanced nation by ending the existing class, ethnic, regional, gender, and regional oppression in the country. Therefore, today is an important day for the oppressed castes like Newa, Tamang, etc."

Stating that he is constantly struggling for the identity and rights of all classes, castes, regions, genders and communities according to the characteristics and social structure of Nepali society, PM Dahal expressed the confidence this day will guide other provinces also towards addressing the linguistic, cultural rights by making the provincial laws as provided for in the constitution. It will also guide towards making the implementation of the Nepal Sambat further effective, he added.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and mutual interests, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat informed.

The Japanese foreign minister arrived in Kathmandu on a one-day visit this afternoon at the cordial invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

Prior to meeting the Prime Minister, she observed the Basantapur area of Kathmandu.

She spent about half-an hour there, seeing around Kalbhairab, Hanumandhoka and the Nepali cultural heritages and artifacts. She also bought a Buddha statue.

This is Kamikawa's first visit to Nepal after her appointment as Japan's Foreign Affairs Minister.

She will pay a courtesy call on President Ram Chandra Paudel today itself, the Foreign Ministry said.  

The Japanese foreign minister is scheduled to meet the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shrestha today itself. Minister Shrestha will host a dinner in her honor.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa will leave for Japan tonight via Nepal Airlines plane.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Rastriya Swatantra Party President and Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane held an intensive discussion on Saturday.

During the meeting that lasted around three hours, the three leaders discussed contemporary political issues and budget sessions, a Baluwatar source said.

President Ram Chandra Paudel on the recommendation of the government has called the meeting of both the houses of federal Parliament on Friday afternoon.

Earlier, the government had prorogued the winter session to prepare the budget.

Actually, the government had prorogued the Parliament session after the main opposition Nepali Congress obstructed the House proceedings demanding formation of a parliamentary probe committee to investigate fraud charges against Home Minister Lamichhane.

The Congress has said that it would not give up its stance of forming a parliamentary probe committee to investigate cooperative fraud charges against Minister Lamichhane.

The three leaders also discussed this issue in the meeting held last night.

As the cooperative fraud case is becoming complex day by day, the situation may also come to form the parliamentary probe committee as demanded by the Nepali Congress, Prime Minister Dahal said.

They have also reached a conclusion that the government should take an initiative to resolve the cooperative issues.

The government is preparing to bring a special plan to iron out the cooperative problems that have been becoming a serious problem across the country.

The leaders of the three political parties have agreed to inform the Parliament by forming a committee to investigate the irregularities in the cooperatives.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Lamichhane has also agreed to form a parliamentary probe committee to investigate the cooperative scam, the Baluwatar source said.

Earlier, Home Minister Lamichhane had held a separate meeting with UML Chairman Oli.

Later, Oli and Prime Minister Dahal had discussed the cooperative issues in Baluwatar.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government is sensitive to the citizens' health and working accordingly.

In his address to a program organized to mark the 22nd Establishment Day of the National Academy of Health Sciences (NAMS) here today, the Prime Minister said implementation of the citizens' fundamental rights is the special priority of the government.

"It is the responsibility of the State to promote the implementation of the fundamental rights of each citizen achieved through tremendous struggle and sacrifices. The government is serious about this. Social security programs in health services is also the top priority of the government," he said.

Stating that 2,800 beds in government-run health facilities have been allotted to patients from poor, indigent communities and who are helpless, the government head said provisions are in place to provide vaccines against uterine and breast cancers at a free of cost. The effort to dedicate 10 percent of all hospital beds whether they are of government, community, or private cones to indigent and helpless people carries a significant value for the improvement of citizens' rights.

He utilized the forum to call on the NAMS to facilitate in fulfilling the State's responsibility to increase citizens' access to quality healthcare services. He also pledged full support on his behalf to establish the NAMS as an academic institute of international standards in cooperation with national and foreign academic bodies.

Prime Minister Dahal shared that he has taken initiatives to make the service delivery of Bir Hospital effectives since he assumed the post.

He further said that he has given priority to bringing all the beds and operation rooms into operation, operating the services in two shifts.  In the program, Dr. LochanKarki, Rector of NAMS, requested that NAMS should not be separated from Bir Hospital immediately until its own hospital is built. “There is a debate going on about the separation of NAMS and Bir Hospital.

If these two bodies are separated immediately, it seems that there will be problems in many matters", Rector Dr. Karki said, "All the educational programs currently running at NAMS will be closed and it may also affect the services of the hospital itself. There should be a comprehensive discussion on this.” He informed that the scope of NAMS has been further expanded. Similarly, Dr. Santosh Paudel, director of Bir Hospital, drew the attention of the Prime Minister to develop Bir Hospital as a specialized hospital for quality health services in the country.

“The area of service provided by NAMS is wide but there are challenges in Bir Hospital within NAMS. The bed has not been able to operate at full capacity. Due to the lack of budget, we have not been able to manage the service delivery further smoothly and effective", said Paudel.

According to the responsibilities of the three levels of government, if we can concentrate the responsibility of specific services, we can provide more quality services. The hospital should be developed as a referral center.”

On the occasion of its 22nd foundation day, NAMS has honored the first Vice-Chancellor Dineshnath Gangol and Dr Upendra Devkota (posthumously), Dr Raviraman Neupane, Dr Niroj Banepali and Dr Mukesh Prasad Yadav.

Dr Raviraman Neupane, Dr Niroj Banepali and Dr Mukesh Prasad Yadav, who have passed out from NAMS at different times, have also been awarded.

The 27th general convention of the Federation of the Nepali Journalists (FNJ) kicked off today.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the general convention.

National council members of different chapters of FNJ across the country are attending the general convention.

Earlier, a morning procession was organized at the initiative of FNJ today itself on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day and FNJ general convention. 

The morning rally set out from Ratnapark Shantibatika and concluded after reaching the National City Hall, the venue of the 27th general convention.  

FNJ President Bipul Pokharel, office-bearers, former presidents, and journalists associated with different media had participated in the morning rally. Office-bearers and members of Nepal Press Union, Press Chautari Nepal, Press Centre Nepal, Socialist Press Organization, had also participated in the morning rally.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the Vice Chancellor of the universities have been appointed based on merit.

Prime Minister Dahal said during a meeting with the recently appointed Vice Chancellors of the Purbanchal, the Mid-West and the Far Western Universities at Singh Darbar today that he has made the process of appointing vice chancellors transparent and competitive.

The newly appointed Chancellor of the Purbanchal University, Prof Dr Biju Kumar Thapaliya, the newly appointed Chancellor of the Mid-West University, Prof Dr Dhruva Kumar Gautam and the newly appointed Chancellor of the Far Western University, Prof Dr Hemraj Pant met the Prime Minister and Chancellor Dahal today after receiving their appointment letter.

On that occasion, Prime Minister Dahal directed the Vice Chancellors to operate the universities in a competitive and transparent manner.

"Sharing of posts among the parties has been ended and the competition has been started in the appointment of the vice-chancellor of the university," Prime Minister Dahal said, adding, "The appointment of the vice-chancellors here has also been done accordingly, please fulfill your responsibilities in a fair manner."

Prime Minister Dahal directed the vice chancellors to focus on producing manpower to compete in the global market by providing quality education from universities.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pledged to provision the setup of an innovation fund in the upcoming fiscal year's policy, program and budget for the expansion of the information technology sector.

In his address to a program organized on the occasion of the 7th National ICT Day here today, PM Dahal informed that groundwork was being done for the formulation of necessary laws for the establishment of the innovation fund.

"The government believes that economic and social transformation can be achieved only through the development, expansion and use of communications and information technology," he said, adding, the young scientists will be encouraged to earn income through information technology at their own capacity and access.

He made it clear that the government was seriously working to integrate and effectively implement the 'Startup Program focusing on the youth.

Prosperity could be achieved through development, good governance and employment only by accepting information technology as the 'leading factor', the Prime Minister said while appealing to all concerned for rapid development in the field of communications and information technology for economic and social transformation of the common people through it.

"The government is committed to make necessary policy and legal arrangements to ensure the development, expansion and safe use of information technology," he noted.

PM Dahal said the incidents related to cybercrime, which were on the rise lately, would be controlled through legal and policy measures.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and be benefitted from this.

The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 here today.

On the occasion, the PM asserted that there are immense opportunities for investment in Nepal and it is a potential country for investment from legal, geographical and strategic perspective as well.

Stating that Nepal is fully committed to a liberal economic policy, he reassured that an investment-friendly environment has been created in the country.

The Prime Minister said Nepal is continuously moving ahead towards creating a friendly environment for the investors, industrialists, entrepreneurs and innovators. In this connection, he added, eight various laws related to business and investment have been reformed.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pointed out the need of making timely reforms in the educational curriculum to stop the brain drain.

Prime Minister Dahal expressed such a view while addressing the 12th Convocation Ceremony of the Purbanchal University today.

"It is necessary to make drastic changes in curriculum to stop intellectual brain drain by boosting the sentiment among youth-students of doing something for the nation staying here", he explained.   

The PM stressed, "Curriculum should be prepared keeping technology-based innovation and research on top priority. There is a need for professional education linking with prosperity."  

Stating that the country could not achieve prosperity without participation of youths, he laid emphasis on youth-targeted entrepreneurship and innovation as well as increasing production and creating employment through human resources development.

The country is looking at youths' passion, skill, knowledge and capacity and seeking their contribution, the Prime Minister said, "The country can benefit from 40 per cent youths of the total population of the country and we should utilize this historic opportunity."

He further said it was necessary to change the existing educational system and situation of educational unemployment created by the existing educational system, and directed the schools and universities to impart technical and skill oriented education as educational institutions have been imparting knowledge in a traditional way.

Prime Minister Dahal added that the government has shown special attention to increase people's access to quality health service and education.

"The Purbanchal University should bring a medical college into operation by constructing necessary structures at its premises and quality health services should be provided to the people of this area", he mentioned.

The PM explained, "The Purbanchal University got the permission to run the medical college at my initiatives. I will take the initiative to provide affordable and quality health services to the people of this area in the coming days."

Vice-President (South, Central and West Asia) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Yingming Yang, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar today, they discussed the issues of economic development of Nepal and upcoming investment summit, according to the Prime Minister Dahal's Secretariat.

On the occasion, PM Dahal said Nepal is the appropriate destination for investment, adding there is ADB's significant investment in Nepal's physical infrastructure development.

He shared that Nepal would present effective and investment-worthy projects in the investment summit taking place in Nepal.

"The government has built an appropriate environment for investment by making legal and policy-level revision. It is the best opportunity for investment in Nepal", underscored PM Dahal.

Stating that ADB was ready to invest in Nepal's strategic projects, Vice-President Yang explained that the ADB would prepare a strategy to further invest in Nepal in the coming days.  

Dr Rupak Sapkota, Foreign Affairs advisor to PM Dahal, high-ranking officials of ADB in Nepal were present on the occasion.

China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Chairman Luo Zhaohui called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Baluwatar on Friday.

During the meeting, they discussed economic development of Nepal and upcoming Nepal Investment Summit, the Prime Minister's foreign advisor Dr Rupak Spakota informed.

On the occassion, Prime Minister Dahal said that the recent high-level visits between Nepal and China have enhanced the relations between the two countries and implementation of agreements has also been accelerated.

"More border points between Nepal and China have come into operation. This has brought relief to the people living near the border areas. I have also found that Chinese investors have also shown interest in the investment summit to be held in Nepal.

Chairman Zhaohui said that Chinese investors are interested to invest in the construction of Nepal's power transmission line and in the feasibility study of Tokha-Chhare tunnel.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that there should be an exchange of bilateral assistance between Nepal and Qatar in the best interests of both nations by further consolidating the bilateral ties.

During a bilateral meeting held between the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, who arrived here on Tuesday on the two-day state visit, the Prime Minister apprised the distinguished guest from Qatar that Nepal offers ample and appropriate opportunities for investment in agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure sectors.

Stating that Nepali migrant workers in Qatar have served as a tool to further strengthen the friendly relations between Nepal and Qatar, the Prime Minister spoke of the need to deepen such ties in the days to come.

He utilized the meeting to call on Qatar to facilitate the safe release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi who has been missing since the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Stating Nepal and Qatar always enjoy a cordial relationship, the Prime Minister said this relationship is founded on cordial friendship, mutual respect, trust, and assistance. "Qatar remains as a reliable friend of Nepal and such relations are getting deeper and extended. These relations are not limited to just an official level but have been expanded to the people-to-people level as well."

He expressed his hope that a high-level visit between the two countries will contribute to further strengthening ties, taking them to a new height. 

Describing Nepal as 'one the attractive destinations for investment for the globe', the Prime Minister said agriculture, energy, hydropower, infrastructure development, tourism, information and communications technology, service and hospitality sectors are suitable areas for foreign investment in Nepal. 

Stating that Nepal was a suitable place for producing organic agricultural products due to its geographical diversity, PM Dahal said that the Qatari investors would be encouraged to consider investment in this sector since Nepal was a center of attraction in tourism in the world parlance, the PM asserted that the foreign investment made in tourism infrastructures would not go in vain.

He viewed that the ascent of the highest mountain in the world-Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) by the first Qatari man, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al-Thani in 2013, had contributed to the promotion of Nepal's tourism in the world.

On the occasion, PM Dahal requested to include Nepal in the list of Qatar's Tourism Authority's external tourism destinations.

Proposal for flight to Qatar from Lumbini and Pokhara

PM Dahal urged the Qatari government for operation of flights from Lumbini and Pokhara to Qatar as well. The PM placed the request during the bilateral discussions.

Stating that there were effective and sufficient air transportation between Kathmandu to Doha, PM Dahal urged the Qatari government to consider operating flights from Lumbini and Pokhara to Doha as well.

Stating that many agreements and MoU were signed between Nepal and Qatar, PM Dahal viewed that the agreements and MoU between the two countries should be amended and updated with the demand of time.

Migrant labor and bilateral relations

PM Dahal observed that around 400,000 Nepalis migrant workers working in Qatar at present were an important bridge further cementing the bilateral ties between Nepal and Qatar. 

Sharing that the government of Nepal was going to establish vocational training and skill development centers for aspiring Nepali migrant workers to Qatar, he urged the Qatari government for its assistance in setting up such centers.

Nepal's priority is economic development

Prime Minister Dahal asserted that economic development is Nepal's priority and it expected continued support from friendly countries and the development partners for fulfilling its development aspirations, including the graduation from least developed country status in 2026, stating economic development was Nepal's priority.

He expressed the confidence that the Government of Qatar will provide assistance to Nepal in the development of big infrastructure projects such as international standard cricket and football stadiums, hydropower production and construction of hospitals and health facilities.

Request to take initiative for Bipin Joshi's release

Likewise, Prime Minister Dahal has urged Qatar to take initiative for securing the safe release of Nepali student Bipin Joshi who has gone missing after the Hamas' attack on Israel.

"Bipin Joshi, an innocent Nepali student who was in Israel in connection to his educational practical exam, is missing following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and his condition is not known yet," the PM said, adding, "I want to again place a request before he Government of Qatar for facilitating his prompt and safe release."

He further said, "I would like to request Your Highness to take personal initiative and draw attention to this topic."

Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in West Asia, the PM wished that peace could be restored with the halt in war at the earliest.

Taskforce to facilitate investment

Meanwhile, Nepal and Qatar have agreed to form a taskforce from both sides to facilitate investment and other areas of mutual cooperation.

According to Dr Rupak Sapkota, foreign affairs advisor to the Prime Minister, such an agreement was reached during the one-to-one and the bilateral delegation level between Prime Minister Dahal and the Qatari Amir who returned home today on completion of his two-day State visit to Nepal beginning on Tuesday. 

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is on a two-day state visit to Nepal, and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Dahal and Qatari Emir Al Thani held a one-to-one meeting at Hotel Soaltee this morning, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat informed.

During the meeting between the delegations led by the Qatari Emir and Prime Minister Dahal, matters related to bilateral relations, mutual cooperation and interests and regional and international issues will be discussed, the Foreign Ministry said.

After the meeting, bilateral agreements and memorandum of understandings (MoUs) will be signed in their presence.

The MoUs will be signed between Nepal and Qatar in the fields of youth and sports, higher education and scientific research.

The two countries are also scheduled to sign MoUs on art and culture, attorney general's office and foreign affairs, Amrit Bahadur Rai, spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.

Prime Minister Dahal will host a luncheon in honor of the Qatari Emir.

The Qatari arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday at the cordial invitation of President Ram Chandra Paudel.

He will leave Kathmandu for Qatar this afternoon.

On 4 March 2024, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal changed his coalition partners, citing lack of cooperation from the Nepali Congress (NC), his key coalition partner at the time. 

He strung together a new coalition, with the support from CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), CPN (Unified Socialist), and Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), and promised to deliver on the missed promises to the nation. It’s been almost two months since the formation of the new alliance, and Prime Minister Dahal has little to show for his promises. 

Already, cracks seem to have appeared in the ruling alliance, with the Unified Socialist refusing to support a common candidate between UML and Maoist for the by-election that is taking place in Ilam-2 on April 27. This refusal has particularly angered the UML, which has fielded Suhang Nembang, son of late UML Vice-chairman Subas Nembang, in Ilam-2. While Prime Minister Dahal’s Maoist party has agreed to support UML in the by-poll, there is still risk of vote-splitting as the Suhang’s candidacy has caused a division within the local UML leaders. In such a scenario, the Unified Socialist’s electoral support to the UML would have been welcome. The Unified Socialist’s decision to field its own candidate in Ilam-2 has certainly not helped ease the rift with its former mother party, UML.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Unified Socialist Madhav Kumar Nepal also seems ill at ease with Prime Minister Dahal. Nepal is apparently resentful of Prime Minister Dahal not taking him into confidence before breaking the alliance with the NC.   

Nepal on Monday expressed doubts regarding the longevity of the latest coalition. He noted that the shifts in ruling coalition in a short period of time have raised a serious suspicion regarding the longevity of the latest alliance.     

“I am not in a position to answer how long this coalition will last. Perhaps Prime Minister Dahal could answer these questions,” he said. 

Nepal’s dissatisfaction with the fellow ruling coalition partners, particularly Maoist and UML, was clear when he said that the current coalition does not seem favorable. 

“We are not feeling comfortable,” he said.  

Earlier, Nepal had threatened to pull out of the coalition after his party was denied the position of chief minister in Sudurpaschim Province. When UML and Maoist Center decided to support Kailash Chaudhary of Nagarik Unmukti Party for the post, Unified Socialist backed Laxman Kishor Chaudhary from the rival faction of Nagarik Unmukti led by Resham Lal Chaudhary. 

Laxman Kishor also had the support from the NC. At the time, Unified Socialist leaders had said that what happened in Sudurpashchim Province was just the beginning and that other provincial governments could also fail. 

Taken aback, the Maoist Center and UML immediately decided to back Dirgha Sodari of Unified Socialist for the position of Sudurpaschim Province chief minister. However, the formation of the Unified Socialist-led government in Sudurpaschim did not defuse the tensions among the coalition partners. Nepal’s recent remarks regarding the Dahal-led government suggest as much. 

“We are not subservient to anyone, and we do not listen to anyone’s threats, intimidation, abuse or insults,” he said recently.  

RSP, another major member in the ruling coalition, is also in a difficult position at the moment. Rabi Lamichhane, the party’s chairman and minister for home affairs, is under pressure to quit the government for his alleged involvement in a fund misappropriation case of a financial cooperative.  

The NC has been obstructing the parliament demanding for a panel to investigate the allegation against Home Minister Lamichhane. If the case against Lamichhane escalates, he is likely to face pressure to take a break till the investigation is over. In that scenario, it is unsure whether the RSP will continue to remain in the government. The Dahal government could slip into a minority. 

Even if Lamichhane does not step down, the RSP could walk out of the coalition if the government fails to deliver on its promises. A large section of the RSP are of the view that it is better for the party to concentrate on the 2027 general election if the current coalition government fails to work effectively.

As of now, the UML has maintained a low-profile in the coalition. The party has pledged steadfast support to Prime Minister Dahal as long as his government works in favor of the country and the people. 

Meanwhile, the NC has been making efforts to improve its relationship with the UML. NC leaders, mainly senior leader Shekhar Koirala faction, is in constant communication with the UML to change the coalition. 

Koirala is proposing that the current electoral system should be changed once NC and UML come together. Regarding the power-sharing arrangement, he has said that Oli can lead the government with the condition that he cedes the power to the NC in the run up to the 2027 elections.

Amid all these coalition infighting and political maneuvering, it appears that Prime Minister Dahal is the only one committed to saving the rickety alliance that he has put together. Nepal’s political landscape is getting more murkier and turbulent with each passing day.

The delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries from Russia paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

In the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar today, the visiting Russian delegation discussed various aspects of Nepal-Russia relations and investment prospects among others with PM Dahal.

On the occasion, PM Dahal shared that the Government of Nepal was preparing for the Investment Summit (on April 28-29 this year) to attract foreign investment and, thus, urged the Russian delegation to consider investment in Nepal, according to PM Dahal Secretariat.

"We have prepared for the Investment Summit focusing on the entrepreneurs and foreign investors," the PM informed the visiting Russian delegation, mentioning some amendments in the laws to facilitate foreign investors to invest in Nepal.

 "The government adopts the policy of cooperation to those willing to invest in Nepal," he assured. Stating that Russia had been continuously supporting economic development in Nepal, the Head of the Government suggested that there was ample scope for investment in road, agriculture, hydro power projects and information technology in Nepal.

Expressing his confidence that the Nepal-Russia ties would remain further strong in the new context, he emphasized enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries in coming days.

The Russian delegation was led by Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Russian Federation. Present in the courtesy meeting were Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Russian Ambassador to Nepal Aleksei Novikov among others.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stressed on taking the private sector into confidence and spreading a message that there is an investment-friendly environment in the country.

Addressing the Investment Board's meeting at New Baneshwor today, PM Dahal opined that the private sector should be facilitated rather than controlled to ensure development and prosperity. The PM argued that the idea of controlling was not acceptable in today's world parlance.

"A new model for development should be charted by taking the private sector into confidence. There will be no development unless the private sector is taken into confidence," Dahal reiterated.

He asserted that the public's aspirations and expectations could be fulfilled by adopting the policy that encourages development and thus instructed the Board's officials to work towards that.

While talking about the upcoming Third Investment Summit, the Head of the Government opined that all should deliver with a positive attitude to make it a success. He asserted that practical projects should be projected and pitched rather than merely presenting a 'wish-list' during the summit. The summit is due in less than a week in Kathmandu.

According to the PM, some Acts were amended prior to the Summit which would give an impetus to attract foreign investment. "Let's organize the Summit and give a new message," he encouraged, pointing out the need to simplify procedures and other works related to development projects.

The PM insisted that the political leadership should be able to deal with the difficulties arising while delivering some good works. Stating that priority should be given to the steel industry, he underscored that work should be done seriously for the establishment of such industries.

Furthermore, he instructed the Board to prioritize irrigation related projects to generate as many jobs in the agriculture sector. He also drew the attention of the Board to accelerate stalled development projects.