Govt suggested private sector partnership for dynamic economy

Kathmandu, Feb 29: Lawmakers have suggested the government to have partnerships with private sectors so that the national economy could be boosted and made dynamic.     

Continuous policy reform is essential to address the pressing issues of anti-money laundering, revenue leakage, and tax evasion the lawmakers said, showing concern over the activities of the Department of Anti-Money Laundering, and the Revenue Investigation Department.     

In the meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the parliament on Thursday, the lawmakers viewed the businessperson were facing a double burden in the name of the government's adoption of technology in anti-money laundering and revenue collection. Government-private sector collaboration is imperative to ensure smooth tax collection and an industrialist-friendly environment.     

In the meeting, Nepali Congress lawmaker Gagan Kumar Thapa viewed that the activities at the Anti-Money Laundering Department and Revenue Investigation Department could be made more effective through timely reforms in laws.     

Chief Whip of CPN (Maoist Centre) Hitraj Pande stressed that the government should equip both departments with technology.     

On the occasion, Deputy General Secretary of CPN UML, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said the activities of both departments should be made more transparent and effective.     

President of Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, wondered why the government failed to work adequately to ensure an atmosphere conducive to industrialists and entrepreneurs.     

On the occasion, businesspeople including FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal and CNI Chair Rajesh Kumar Agrawal expressed concern over the double burden imposed by regulatory bodies. They demanded both policy and structural reforms to encourage business. Political unity is essential on economic agenda of the country.     

Committee Chair Ramhari Khatiwada informed that the Committee discussed interface between lawmakers and businesspersons on problems facing the private sector on business laws and service delivery, which, he believed, could help resolve problems. The Committee will hold the next round of meetings and furnish suggestions to the government. (RSS)