Despite innumerable examples that spread negativism about the prospects for Nepali economy, it is good to note that there are some positive aspects which deserve appreciation and emulation. This issue of Nubiz has presented some of them.
First, take the example of the reforms being spearheaded by a one-man army of Krishna Hari Baskota as the director General of the Department of Customs, a government department which was till last year perceived to be impossible for any reforms. The support Baskota has obviously received from his colleagues in the department deserves appreciation. While his track record in the Department of Commerce has helped him in what he is doing in the customs department, the fact that he is carrying on with his reforms oriented style of administration also in such a challenging department deserves more appreciation. Though these reforms are not enough and there is always a room for improvement, these experiences help to refute the still-prevailing general hypothesis that Nepali administrative system is impossible to reform. Recognizing Baskota's contributions by publicly honouring him, Nepal Chamber of Commerce has started a positive tradition.
Next example to note with positive optimism which Nubiz has covered in this issue is that of the Patan Handicraft Centre. Though the existing laws and practices (such as the laws related to labour and cooperatives and the stringent practices of banks in lending to the marketing organization) pose a number of hurdles in such small scale businesses, the idea of ancillarisation is being successfully implemented by this company. Without doubt, it is one example worth emulating also by other small scale businesses.
How the adamant government is denying the businesses the opportunity to benefit from the cheap labour said to be available in the country is a problem frequently highlighted in various fora. But the businesses cannot wait perpetually till the government reforms the laws. In that case the best that the business can do is to go for higher level of automation as NEBICO says it is considering. Though it may seem a negative development against the background of growing employment problems in the country, this step indicates that the Nepali business community has at last started actually resorting to plan B when the government fails to listen to their genuine plea. Otherwise, the Nepali business people would just continue whining about their problems and nagging for this and other concessions.
Equally important positivism expected in the Nepali economy is from the silver lining visible around the dark clouds of the Maoist insurgency. Hardships caused by displacement of population will help. generate entrepreneurial activities from people so displaced, say some analysts who have studied across societies. If the required supports are provided to the Maoist victims, some of them are likely to emerge as new entrepreneurs in the country.
At the same time it should also be noted that if the wrath brewing among the Maoist victims is not channelised in forward directions, it may also result in the emergence of another group of gun wielding insurgents in the country. If that happens, it will be more difficult to manage the situation than it is today.
