Despite peace investors are doubtful: Dr. Pokharel

Vice-chairman of National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr Jagdish Chandra Pokharel has said that despite the peace accord having been signed between the Maoists and other political parties, investors are found doubtful about increasing their investment and business activities in Nepal.

Dr Pokhrel was speaking at a programme on ‘Economic Cost of Conflict’, aimed at defining the public agenda and strengthening constituencies for peace and reform in Nepal, held by Nepal Economic Association (NEA) and The Asia Foundation on Wednesday.

He said that in the changed political context, investors continue to be cautious. Therefore, there is a need to create an enabling environment for the private sector to grow.

Prof Dr Bishwambher Pyakuryal, president of Nepal Economic Association (NEA), making his presentations on Cost of Conflict said that conflict has brought down the local economic growth by reducing income, making poor vulnerable.

Prof Pyakuryal spoke of the challenges in the economy such as inequalities in income, non-inclusive nature of politics, inadequate support to strengthen local indigenous capacity to manage conflict, among others. He stressed on decentralising the government for empowering people for effective resource management and service delivery.

He informed that out of the 164,000 registered cottage and small industries, 70 per cent have already shut down due to increased threats, extortion and migration of youth.

Other experts likewise Prof Madan K Dahal, former finance ministers Dr Badri Prasad Shrestha and Madhukar SJB Rana, and businessmen, also spoke at the function.

Despite peace investors are doubtful: Dr. Pokharel

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