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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.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government has made serious diplomatic efforts for the safe repatriation of students in the captivity of Palestinian rebels to Nepal.

Addressing the Fourth Convocation Ceremony of the Far-West University here today, PM Dahal, who is also the Chancellor of the University, expressed sorrow over the Nepali students who lost their lives in the attacks by Palestinian insurgents in Israel on October 7, 2023.

"I am deeply saddened by the incident in which our students who had gone to Israel as part of the 'Earning while Learning' program of the Far-West University's Institute of Agriculture lost their lives in the attacks by the Palestinian rebels," he said, and extended tribute to those students killed in the incident as well as expressing condolences to their family members.

The Prime Minister stated that the government has been fulfilling with alacrity the responsibility it has to undertake to bring back to Nepal the students who were injured and affected by the incident, and to repatriate the bodies of those killed in the attack. 

"Even now a student is in the captivity of the rebels. Necessary diplomatic initiatives are going on for returning him to Nepal," the PM said.

Bipin's release will also be agenda during Qatari Emir's visit to Nepal, says PM

Speaking in the same program, Prime Minister Dahal said the topic of taking initiatives for securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who is under the captivity of Hamas militants, is included in the agenda during the State visit to Nepal.

He said that the role that the Qatari Emir can play in Joshi's release is also included in the agenda of his visit.

"The government is vigorously playing its role in bringing the affected students’ home from Israel. Only this morning in an interview to a Kuwaiti television channel, I spoke on Qatar's role in securing Joshi's release and also requested to take the initiative to that end," PM Dahal said on the occasion.

PM Dahal also on the occasion handed medals to the University students who won various medals.

Minister for Education, Science and Technology and the University Pro-Chancellor, Sumana Shrestha and Professor of the Kumaun University of Uttarakhand State, India, Prof Diwan Singh Rawat also expressed their views.

Three hundred and seventy-six students were graduated in the convocation ceremony, according to the Far-West University.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the production of scientific and technical human resources is vital for accelerating economic transformation in the country.

In his address to the Fourth Convocation of the Far-West University on Sunday, the Prime Minister and the University Chancellor said such human resources are the demand of the time.               

Pressing an idea for utilizing universities as a supporting tool for behavioral, social, and economic transformations, the Prime Minister urged the University to prioritize the production of human resources who can deliver with a sense of responsibility towards the nation and citizens.

Youths are the future of the nation and they should have qualities such as integrity, discipline, and a high sense of responsibility while passing out from universities as graduates.  Scientific, advanced, and creative human resources are warranted to further strengthen a democratic system and achieve a rapid economic transformation, according to him.

He advised the University to ensure educational and managerial reforms so as to produce graduates capable of competing in the global education sphere, commending its role to increase citizens' access to education specifically in the far-west Nepal.

Stating that the University that has already started teaching medical science under the Faculty of Medical Sciences towards the technical stream should now expand its services, he assured of the government's required support for the same.

'Govt will provide support in establishment of the National Medical Sciences University'

PM Dahal believed that access to specialist medical services could be ensured in the Far-west region with the establishment of the National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali.

"The government has decided to set up the Sahid Dasharath Chand National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali, realizing the lack of access to higher technical education in this region," he said, adding that works like the formulation of laws for the establishment of the University have been expedited.

He expressed the confidence that the University to be established in Geta would prove to be a milestone in the development of this region.

Academic standard of universities needs to be improved

The Prime Minister underscored the need of maintaining a high academic quality of the university. He insisted that the university should be the center of attraction for study and research for all.

"There is a need for the university teachers, employees and students all to strengthen mutual collaboration, cooperation and goodwill for the uplift of the universities' academic standards. The Government of Nepal is ever ready to provide the necessary support to improve the universities' standard," he reiterated.

PM Dahal pointed out the need of the University developing itself into an excellent institute of learning and education with the university's leadership carrying out the physical and educational improvement of the university and also expanding student welfare activities through collaboration with other prestigious universities around the world.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has assured of a shift from the conventional approach while bringing the policies and programs, and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Talking to the media at Dhangadhi Airport today, the Prime Minister highlighted the government's preparations for coming up with advanced, objective, and citizen-friendly programs, policies, and the budget. The PM had transited at Dhangadhi Airport while en route to Kanchanpur.

The government head took time to make it clear that the existing government does not reflect the power equation among the leftists.  Instead, it should be considered as a political power equation, he said.  According to him, the incumbent government coalition will complete its full term and there is no issue within it as rumored outside.

Stating that the government is preparing to welcome the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who is arriving here for his two-day formal visit beginning on April 23. "This opportunity is historic," he said.

Similarly, preparations for the third Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29 are near completion, according to him.

"We receive widespread positive and encouraging responses regarding the Summit," he said, adding the government is preparing to introduce some Acts through the ordinances to build an investment-friendly atmosphere.

On the occasion, the PM also shared with the media that Nepal will be hosting an international conference of mountain countries on climate change.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stressed that the establishment of good governance in the country could be ensured only through a successful implementation of laws.

In his address to a program on "Challenges for good governance and government's future roadmap" organized by the Institute for Strategic and Socio-Economic Research (ISSR) here today, the Prime Minister underscored the need to pay special attention to the effective implementation of laws to take the country towards a path of good governance and prosperity.

"Prevention of corruption is warranted for the country's overall development, to promote the citizens' interests and establish good governance," the government head said, echoing the need to enrich anti-corruption bodies legally and with resources.                                                                                             

He announced that the government is committed to investigating any cases of corruption that took place at any time frame and seeking legal action against those responsible for such offenses.  "Good governance, social justice and prosperity are the top priorities of the incumbent government, and the establishment and promotion of the first one is in the center," he added.

The Prime Minister highlighted the essentiality of continuous collaboration and cooperation among the three tiers of government, private sector, civil society, media and the masses to bring the government policy against corruption, and for good governance into practice.

He said that the successful implementation of laws is needed to operate the governance effectively. "This will lead the country to a path of good governance and prosperity."

Sharing that a huge transformation was necessary in the policy and legal sector, Prime Minister Dahal clarified that the government was active to formulate federal acts in accordance with national resolution and necessity.

He mentioned, "The government has been making necessary preparations to forward a process to make laws and amend some laws through discussion with all parties represented in the parliament."

Underlining that scientific policy, standard and implementation of reward and punishment were necessary to ensure good governance, the Prime Minister shared that the government has been moving ahead in the process of accelerating the development of construction projects. 

"Serious discussion is underway about achievements, problems, challenges on development projects, as well as reforms in policy-level, legal, structural and working-style sectors to resolve the problems," he stressed. 

Sharing that the government would move ahead with some arrangements at the structural reforms sector in the upcoming policy, programme and budget, PM Dahal added projects would get adequate means and resources along with prioritization of development projects, as well as should be completed within slated time.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN (Unified Socialist) senior leader Jhalnath Khanal held a meeting on Tuesday.

During the meeting that took place at the Prime Minister's official residence at Baluwatar this morning, the two leaders discussed the formation of the Sudurpaschim provincial government and the role of the Unified Socialist party, among other political topics.

Manohari Timilsina, the Prime Minister's press expert, said PM Dahal and leader Khanal discussed contemporary political issues on the occasion.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the construction of tunnel road has a significant role in the enhancement of road connectivity.

In his address to a ceremony organized to mark a breakthrough of the Nagdhunga Tunnel Road today, the Prime Minister said the achievement is significant in the area of infrastructure development.

This kind of road connectivity will play a crucial role in meeting the national goals for promoting interconnectivity for convenient and affordable travel, for promoting geographical and democratic closeness, and for maintaining provincial balance in terms of development, according to the Prime Minister. 

He said that the government will pursue a policy of prioritizing the construction of tunnel roads, flyovers, and underpasses along the national highways to establish advanced road connectivity.

Similarly, the government head took time to say that the latest economic indicators suggest hopes in efforts to achieve prosperity. 

He claimed that the revenue collection is improving. The reduction in fuel imports with the promotion of electric vehicles, noticeable progress in cement export, a rise in exports of corrugated zinc sheets and steel, a rise in the arrivals of tourists, and the expansion of housing and apartment businesses outside Kathmandu Valley have spread a positive message to the economic sphere.

PM Dahal called one and all to create a wider hope for advancing toward the establishment of good governance, social justice, and prosperity by overthrowing the pessimistic narrative that nothing will happen.

The Prime Minister also expressed his hope that the Third Investment Summit that Nepal is hosting on April 28-29 will explore the potential for investment in Nepal's development in the international forum.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called upon the Nepali speakers and the people of Nepali origin residing in various countries of the world to invest the skills, knowledge and capital they have earned for Nepal.

PM Dahal made this call in a meeting with a delegation of the Association of Nepali Origin (ANO) at his official residence in Baluwatar today.

Stating that although of different nationalities, the campaign of linking all the Nepali-speaking and Nepali-origin people throughout the world is positive, he urged bringing the Nepali speakers throughout the world together through this campaign, as the mother or the fatherland is the same.

The PM said the ANO's campaign of connecting the Nepalis spread across the globe by means of language and culture is positive, pledging the necessary support on behalf of the government for the success of the campaign.

A gathering, on March 19, of Nepali speaking people from various countries around the world held in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, constituted the ANO with the goal of uniting the Nepali race and preserving the Nepali language and culture.

Thanking the ANO for running the campaign of connecting the Nepali speakers by means of art and culture, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his best wishes for a new campaign.

ANO President Dilliram Adhikari expressed gratitude to the government for the cooperation and best wishes received so far from the government, and expected the same in the days to come. "We will take ahead this campaign as the ambassador of the Nepali language, art and culture throughout the world. At the same time, the campaign will further contribute to the nation's development, preserving and publicizing the 'Nepaliness', connecting the future generation to Nepal," he asserted.

The organization will likewise encourage the Nepali investors living abroad to put investment in Nepal's education, health and other sectors and to carry out social works in the country where their ancestors' identity is linked.

The ANO delegation consisted of its vice-president Sushil Kumar Panta, general-secretary Chudamani Bhattarai among other office-bearers.

The Bangkok gathering representing the Nepali origin social campaigners from 27 countries of the world was transformed into the ANO's First Convention and a 54-member working committee was formed under Dilli Adhikari, a Nepali origin social worker born in Bhutan and currently living in the USA.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said discussions were underway at the political level to end the deadlock of the House of Representatives and it would be resolved soon.

Talking briefly to mediapersons at Biratnagar today, Prime Minister Dahal shared that the recent impasse would be resolved through political discussion.

He expressed the belief that problems could be resolved by studying the overall issue related to cooperatives and the topic concerning Rastriya Swatantra Party President and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane separately.

"Formation of a parliamentary probe committee has been demanded keeping Deputy Prime Minister Lamichhane at center, which cannot be addressed," the PM said.

Stating that the opposition parties have been making the problems seen in the cooperative sector as a political issue rather than solving it after the change in the political alliance, PM Dahal underlined, "Earlier, the Nepali Congress was with us in the government. The issue of cooperatives was minor for them at that time. After exiting from the government, formation of a parliamentary probe committee has been demanded keeping Rabi Lamichhane in the center. It is based on political prejudice."

He clarified that the efforts made to break the existing political equation would not be successful.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has directed Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane and Finance Minister Barshaman Pun not to threaten businessperson.

Finance Minister Pun revealed that Prime Minister Dahal called him and Home Minister Lamichhane and gave such an instruction.

During an interaction organized on the occasion of 58th annual general meeting of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Minister Pun had urged the businessperson to do business with confidence by paying taxes to the government.

He said that after the reshuffle of the Cabinet, the Prime Minister had called him and Home Minister Lamichhane together for the first time and issued a directive not to threaten the private sector without any reason.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister said that there is no one above the law in the democratic country, 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that the government was committed to accelerate the country's economic transformation by boosting the morale of entrepreneurs and investors.

Addressing the 58th annual general assembly of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) today, PM Dahal reiterated that the government had prioritized healthy and strong regulation of the financial system and to create an enabling environment for the private sector to work with high morale.

Urging all organizations and representatives of private sectors to proceed with high morale, the PM underscored a strong unity among the government and private sector to address the concerns and demand of the entrepreneurs and investors. 

Stating that the private sector had been playing a leading role in bolstering production, job creation and increasing investment, the Head of the State said that the three-tier government had been coordinating with the private sector in formulation of policies, programs and budget.

He observed that Nepal was focused at achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, upgradation from the least developed country to developing country's status by 2026 and achieving balanced development and prosperity. He called for expansion of investment from both the government and private sector to achieve these set goals.

Furthermore, PM Dahal informed that the government was moving ahead with concrete homework and preparations to make the upcoming Investment Summit effective and result-oriented.

"There are plenty of challenges and limitations in our policies, laws, thinking, structure and working style to create a favorable climate for investment and attract investment," he admitted.

According to him, the government was prepared to consider an amendment in the laws by introducing ordinance if need be and to put in place simplified policies and procedures to attract investment."

Noting that the internal and external indicators of the economy are on a positive trend, PM Dahal said it is a matter of happiness that the primary economic indicators are improving thanks to the harmony between the financial and monetary policies and the strong private sector collaboration.

He added that still the economy remains to achieve the expected level of progress in tandem with the national aspirations and needs.

"The government is committed to forge ahead with additional commitment to expedite the process for improving the economy," he said.

Stating that the government has, from this year revised the policy, modality and the schedule related to the budget by bringing a bill with the realization that the country's prosperity and transformation was not possible with the traditional form of policy, program and budget, Prime Minister Dahal hoped that this time intensive discussions and interaction will be held among the people's representatives, industrialists and businesspersons, intellectuals and the general public on the government's policies and programs.

"The government shall formulate scientific policy-programs and budget even in the midst of unlimited aspirations and limited means and resources. I consider this as an important base point of a new break from the past in the economic sector," he reiterated.

The PM said that the upcoming policy-programs and budget should stress on production growth, employment generation and on promotion of agriculture-based industries. "We used to see from the instances of other countries that the achievements of other sectors of the economy would not be sustainable if domestic production and employment do not increase. Now we are ourselves experiencing the same. This problem would be addressed this time," he further added.

Prime Minister Dahal said the government is doing homework to orient the unspent project budget that is accumulated at one place towards strengthening the economy and transferring it to the projects capable of spending it. RSS

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged diplomatic missions in Nepal and the development partners to make the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 a success. The government is organizing the Summit on the 28th and 29th of this month.

Addressing the meeting of diplomatic missions and development partners in Nepal organized at Singha Durbar today, Prime Minister said the role of development partners and diplomatic missions in Nepal is important to establish Nepal as the destination of investment.

"We expect active participation in investment summit as well as support of development partners", he shared.

Stating that projects of province and local governments have given equal priority along with ministries of federal government, the Prime Minister clarified that the government is committed to ensure the environment to revise laws in order to create investment-friendly environment, procedural reforms and not to allow any obstruction for investors during project period. 

"The summit will provide a platform to connect Nepali production and service to the global market as well as make stakeholders including investors, development partners and financial institutions easy to unite, to seek opportunity and to promote long-term partnership," he said.

The government of Nepal was ready to provide any type of support needed to incumbent and possible investors, he underscored.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has suggested making the payback system for health insurance simpler so as to enhance the effectiveness of the health insurance scheme and to make it more service-oriented.

Addressing the program organized to mark the Eighth Health Insurance Day today, the PM stressed on making the joint-payment system implemented by the Health Insurance Board service-friendly.

"Provisions as online registration of membership, system for making claim at the right time and technology-friendly insurance scheme are the challenge-targeted reformative plans," he said and expressed the government's all-time commitment towards rendering Health Insurance Program meaningful and effective to fulfill the national aspiration of 'good governance, social justice and prosperity', providing the health services in an equitable manner through this program.

Stressing on the need of fulfilling the key responsibilities that the state and the service providing agencies have to discharge to enhance the attractiveness of the program, Prime Minister Dahal directed the bodies concerned to pay attention to topics like simplifying the process for the insurance policy-holders to access the services, maintaining the quality of service and rendering the service providing bodies further service-oriented, among others.

The Prime Minister emphasized on conducting an effective literacy campaign on the Health Insurance program, and on maintaining good governance and financial discipline.

Noting that the government has kept the program in high priority, he said all the health security plans would be operated through a one-door system. The PM hoped that important policy reforms like making the health insurance card mandatory for services and recommendations provided by the federal, provincial and local governments would help enhance the quantity and quality of the program.

The Head-of-Government reiterated that the program would be made attractive and effective by expanding the insurance amount and it can be developed as the 'national pride' program. He made it clear that the government would reach an appropriate conclusion on the basis of necessary study in view of the prospects of the Health Insurance Program.

In line with the concept of a welfare State, the government initiated the Health Insurance Program around the theme, 'Your Health, Our Resolve', from Kailali district on April 7, 2016. It is a State-prioritized participatory program.

According to the PM, the government is committed to making this program meaningful and effective by expanding its coverage.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal handed the insurance certificate to the senior citizens of the Budhanilkantha Municipality. From today, the program has been launched in all the 753 local government units.

Chairman of the Health Insurance Board, Dr Gunaraj Lohani said that the insurance coverage has been expanded.

National Planning Commission (NPC) member Prof Dr Shivaraj Adhikari spoke on the various aspects of the health insurance program, its significance, need and reforms. He added that initiatives would be taken to make the program further simpler.

Secretary at the Ministry of Health Dr Roshan Pokharel maintained that the medicines produced in Nepal would be further systematized and managed well, and the insurance policy made refined and practical.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the precious stone quartz crystal had added a new brick in promotion of tourism in Gorkha district.

At a program organized by Gorkha Municipality to place quartz crystal at Gorkha Palace today, PM Dahal reiterated that installation of precious quartz crystal in the district of historical and archeological significance would play an important role in tourism promotion.

Expressing his confidence that the precious stone's placement would widely establish the importance and role of Gorkha, the PM instructed the concerned authorities for security arrangement of the quartz crystal and further manage the historical place.

Prior to placing the quartz crystal in the room where the throne of erstwhile King Prithvi Narayan Shah is housed, it was worshiped in the premises of the palace.

"While the precious stone is being placed in the Gorkha palace of historical and archeological importance, I got an opportunity to visit the palace premises for the first time since the declaration of the Republic of Nepal," said PM Dahal, expressing his happiness for the opportunity.

Pledging to play his part in preservation of the historicity of Gorkha, the Head of the Government shared that he had prioritized development of infrastructures such as road and bridge in the district.

He added, "The citizens of Gorkha district want to witness some historic developmental works. There is a scope to deliver on the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project, Gorakhkali rubber industry and construction of industrial park among others."

Stating the uneasiness on the part of the government to include some issues of this area in the policy and programs and budget of the current fiscal year, he assured that the new budget would be development-oriented and it would excite the citizens.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has stressed on the need of developing and implementing a timely curriculum based on innovation.

Addressing the 14th Senate Meeting of the Mid-West University, the PM called on the University to pay attention to restructuring the curriculum and the development of the physical and human resources.

"The guiding principles, policies and programs adopted by the University for attaining educational excellence, economic growth, curriculum restructuring, international relations and exchanges, and infrastructure development are also praiseworthy," he said, adding that adoption of the policy of conducting all the academic activities as per the predetermined calendar is an aspect of reform.

The PM added that the government will extend support to the University in implementing its policy of reforming the existing examination system, and conducting the examinations and publishing the results as per the academic calendar.

On the occasion, he suggested the University accorded additional priority to all the academic programs and curricula as per the changing world scenario, the national, regional and local development policies and approaches, and the demand of the labor market. 

The Head of Government expressed the commitment for cooperation on behalf of the government in formulation of the national policy and laws required for marketing, and sale and distribution of goods, services and information produced by the University's various laboratories.

Stating on the need of formulating socialism-oriented educational policy, strategy and program based on the principles of good governance and social justice as embodied by the republican state system stipulated in the Constitution, Prime Minister Dahal expressed the confidence that the University will play a positive role, encouraging the Nepali students to pursue higher studies within the country and supporting the country in attaining prosperity.

He further stressed on running academic and vocational programs based on land, water, forest, herbs and human resources, taking into consideration the geographical, social and economic condition of the entire Nepal, particularly of Karnali province, in the agriculture and forestry sciences. The PM believed that various programs and projects would be implemented synthesizing the modern and indigenous agricultural system and the knowledge skills.

He said the Mid-West University, which is established in Karnali Province that is rich in terms of cultural diversity and natural resources but lags behind in terms of physical infrastructure development, industrialization and human development index, has made important contribution to the academic progress, physical development and the promotion of work system along with information technology in a short period of its establishment.