Much Needed Assurance

ADDRESSING a function organised to mark the Industry and Commerce Day, the other day, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala lauded the private sector’s role in the promotion of trade and industry in the country. He said that the government alone will be unable to develop trade and industry that plays a crucial role in national development. The fact is plain that the promotion of trade and commerce can only significantly contribute to uplift the country’s economic status. Even in the South Asian region, Nepal lags behind others when it comes to economic prosperity. A country like ours is especially way behind in the placement of the essential infrastructure and so cannot achieve the desired level of development in all sectors unless it has a strong and stable economy. Besides this, trade and commerce has a greater role in the present global context of economic liberalisation and free trade. But to make any headway, maintenance of peace and security concerns must receive priority. In recent times, it is a matter of serious concern that some industrial establishments have severely suffered from Maoist attacks. The violence let loose by the Maoist rebels has not only posed a great hurdle in this respect but also discouraged further prospects of foreign investment in the country. This all boils down to the fact that security must be enhanced so that the industries can work to their full capacity thereby contributing to the national economy.

The Prime Minister’s assurance that full support to the trades people and industrialists would be provided comes as a relief to all the concerned individuals and organisations in the sense that the government is aware of the problem being faced by them. Since it is a national problem causing much suffering to all the citizens, it is essential that all the concerned political parties should forge national consensus, as envisaged by the Prime Minister, to resolve it peacefully. In this regard, the opposition parties have a vital role to play in order to reach a common understanding so that the question over security does not remain any more. Only then can the country flourish socially, economically and politically with the common citizens being able to enjoy the fruit of democracy.

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