Kathmandu, Feb 4: Three private sector business organisations have urged one and all not to spoil the investment environment in the country.
They asked the agitating side to stop their agitation programmes immediately, saying their serious attention was drawn towards the protest on the issue of construction of cable car for tourism development and promotion of Pathibhara (Makkumlung) area.
Issuing a joint press release, Federation of Nepali Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce said strikes organized at districts of Koshi province over the cable car project have disrupted educational, economic and social life of these districts, general people have been facing problems as well as investment-friendly environment for infrastructure development of the country might be disrupted.
It is well known that the private sector has important role in country’s overall economic development. The investment of private sector in industrial, trade, banking, energy, agriculture, tourism and communications sector as well as development of various infrastructures and service sector has remarkable contribution in country’s prosperity. We request the bodies concerned to be serious on this issue as negative message will be spread among domestic and foreign investors due to such activities carried out to halt development in the country in recent period”, reads the statement.
Stating that the private sector has already invested billions of rupees in the tourism industry, generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities for many, the statement asserts that the proposed Pathibhara (Makkumlung) touristic infrastructure is designed to enhance the convenience of visitors, including senior citizens and children. The project also aims to promote the region’s religious, cultural, and adventure tourism, it is stated.
Furthermore, they believe the implementation of this project will contribute to the growth of agriculture and handicraft industries in the area. When local authorities and communities agree on the construction of the cable car project, any obstruction along with external interference is an attempt to hinder the development process,” the statement reads.
The private sector argues that this protest is not only about one specific project; it has the potential to undermine the investment environment in the country, discouraging future investors from exploring investment opportunities in Nepal.
Stating that the problem could be resolved through dialogue, these organisations have urged the local communities, the bodies concerned and the stakeholders to accept this development effort in a positive light and move ahead the Pathibhara (Makkumlung) Cable Car Project in a smooth manner.
Similarly, issuing separate press statements today, FNCCI’s Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali province chapter presidents said the FNCCI province chapter’s attention was drawn on this matter.#nepal #business #rss
