NA lawmakers stress on promotion of investment, agriculture and tourism

Kathmandu, May 14: Taking part in the deliberations on the government's policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year in the meeting of the National Assembly today, the lawmakers drew the government's attention to issues such as agriculture, tourism, prevention of youth migration, and creating an investment-friendly environment.     

Mahantha Thakur stated that it is necessary to create an environment that encourages non-resident Nepalis to invest in the homeland. He said that the country's economic development can be accelerated through investment-friendly policies and a stable environment.     

Dharmendra Paswan alleged that the government's policies and programmes for the next fiscal year did not broadly cover agricultural development in the Madhes Province. He commented that while the policies and programmes were positive for the middle class, they did not give adequate priority to the potential of agriculture and tourism in the Madhes.     

Urmila Aryal said that if the growth rate of agriculture could be raised to five percent, the country's economic prosperity would be possible. She emphasised the promotion of indigenous seeds, the reopening of the Birgunj Sugar Factory, and the upgrading of the Dairy Development Corporation. She also urged the government to allocate sufficient budget to resolve the drinking water crisis in the Madhesh Province.     

Sonam Geljen Sherpa stated that diplomatic efforts are necessary with India and China to promote tourism through the construction of necessary infrastructure for tourism promotion and to make the operation of Pokhara and Bhairahawa international airports effective.     

Sunil Bahadur Thapa said that there is a need to create self-employment opportunities to encourage youths to stay in the country amidst continuous migration abroad. He emphasised the need to become self-reliant in the agricultural sector.(RSS)