Positive discourse vital to bring economy on right track: Dr. Mahat

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 3: Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has stressed on the need of positive discourse among the stakeholders to bring the national economy on the right track.

Addressing the 25th Annual General Meeting of Society of Economic Journalists-Nepal (SEJON) in Kathmandu Saturday, Finance Minister Dr. Mahat said that the government is trying to bring the problematic economy into rhythm and support from all, including journalists and the private sector is needed in this regard.

Despite some problems in the economy, the economy will go in a positive direction in the coming days and asked for all to be optimistic towards the work of the government, he said.

“There are some problems in the economy. There is a need to solve these problems that come up due to various reasons,” he said. “Where there is a weakness in the state system, they are constantly working for improvement. Despite some limitations, efforts are being made to bring the economy back on track.”

Stating that the private sector is the vehicle of production, job creation and expansion of national economy, he said that the government is ready to address the problems faced by them while operating industries and businesses.

Minister Dr. Mahat suggested that the umbrella organisation of the private sector should play the role of self-regulator to work based on one value and belief.

He expressed his commitment to take foreign aid only on the basis of Nepal’s needs and priorities.

He informed that the ministry is working towards facilitating the flow of tourists, adequate foreign currency reserves and other economic activities.

Finance Minister Dr. Mahat said that although revenue mobilisation has not increased as expected, it is relatively better compared to the last fiscal year.

He said that although new technology has made journalism easier, the challenge of using it and misusing it has increased.

He said, “Just like the political field, journalism sector is also going through a phase of trial and error.”

“Inside and outside the Parliament, I have defended my decision with grounds, everyone has accepted it,” Minister Dr. Mahat said. “If the media sector, including the economic journalists’ society, has any questions about the Ministry of Finance and me, I am always open for direct concerns, dilemmas and questions.”

On the occasion, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal said that the collective and effective coordination among the state stakeholders is a must to drive the economy on the right track by addressing problems seen in the economy.

He requested the government to implement the suggestions given by the private sector with priority.

President Dhakal said that the government should take effective measures to build confidence of the private sector and general people over the economy as the demand and supply is low at present.

President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Rajendra Malla suggested the government to accelerate the development works properly and take the private sector into confidence for development.

Officiating president of Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) Birendra Raj Pandey said that enhancing the confidence of the private sector is the present need to improve the economy.

The AGM has elected a new executive committee of SEJON for the next two years.