Karnali plans to host investment conference again

By RAJANI YOGI,Surkhet, July 15: Karnali Provincial government is preparing to establish an investment-friendly environment by launching a comprehensive plan aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investors. As a part of this initiative, the government is set to develop a dedicated digital platform called the ‘Karnali Province Investment Portal’, which will provide detailed information on potential investment sectors across the province.

The provincial government has announced plans to host an Investment Conference in the upcoming fiscal year, backed by strong groundwork and project preparation. Chief Minister Yam Lal Kandel stated that identifying viable sectors and establishing a proper project framework, often referred to as an ‘Investment Bank’, will be key prerequisites before holding the event.

Previous attempts to organise investment summits in the province failed due to inadequate preparation and frequent changes in government leadership. The lack of a fully operational Planning Commission also created uncertainty around such initiatives. 

However, this time the government is committed to avoiding past mistakes by finalising all necessary preparations before announcing a date.

“The investment conference will only be held after setting up a detailed project bank. We won’t repeat the unplanned approach of the past,” said Chief Minister Kandel. He emphasised that the administration will study investment possibilities thoroughly before scheduling the summit.

According to Surya Nath Yogi, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Planning Commission, the guidelines for the project bank are currently in the final stages of development. 

He added that the lessons learned from previous efforts have reinforced the need for a solid foundation before launching such an ambitious initiative. “Without preparation, these plans will not materialise. This time, we are moving forward step-by-step,” he added.

In the past, the provincial government led by former Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma had planned to hold an investment summit in Birendranagar, the provincial capital on May 2 and 3 2024. Committees focusing on economic, social, and governance matters had been formed, and a detailed roadmap was even approved by the Provincial Cabinet. 

However, the sudden change in government stalled the plan.

Having witnessed two failed attempts, the current government is now determined to proceed only after thorough preparation. Officials emphasised that investment summits should not be announced on impulse, as doing so leads to confusion and delays. With this renewed focus on strategic planning, the Karnali Province hopes to finally bring its investment ambitions to fruition.