Harmony will be maintained between fiscal policy and monetary policy: Minister Pun

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 8: Finance Minister Barsaman Pun has said that harmony would be maintained in the government’s policies and programmes, fiscal policy and monetary policy to accelerate economic activities.

During a discussion held at the ministry on Tuesday to receive suggestions from the representatives of the banks and financial sector about the budget for the next fiscal year, he said that coordination would be made between the budget and monetary policy. 

He said that discussions were being held with Nepal Rastra Bank in the regard. “The government and the regulator are the state. The purpose and policy of the state are the same. So, harmony is maintained in the policies and programmes, fiscal policy and monetary policy,” said Minister Pun.

Minister Pun said that the economy was getting accelerated this year compared to last year and that he was preparing the budget that would make the economy more vibrant in coming years.

He said that cooperation would be made to achieve the specific goals of the state by staying within the policies specified by the constitution. "Everyone's focus is to promote, facilitate and boost the morale of the private sector by staying within the economic policy specified by the constitution," he said. 

He clarified that the policies that were doing well in the economy would continue in the coming fiscal year. Pun said that information technology was an area that needed to be promoted immediately according to the geo-political situation of Nepal. 

"As per our geographical situation, we think that a large number of jobs will be created and investment will be more likely when we focus on the information technology sector. We have thought of promoting the information technology sector through the budget," Minister Pun said. 

He said that agriculture, large and medium infrastructure sectors would be given priority in the budget.