Policy Reforms Are Being Implemented in Ways the Private Sector Can Experience: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal has said the government is prioritizing policy reforms and assured that some changes are already being experienced by the private sector. He urged both domestic and foreign investors not to doubt the government’s commitment to safeguarding investments.

Speaking at a public–private sector dialogue organized to discuss the impacts of the losses incurred during the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9, as well as measures needed to move forward from the current situation, the finance minister emphasized the importance of business security.

The event was jointly organized by the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) on Friday.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal said the Ministry of Home Affairs has taken the private sector’s concern over security assurance seriously. He stressed that good governance is essential for the country and added that both the government and private sector must contribute to improving it.

Similarly, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Sinha said the government is accelerating efforts to complete stalled projects in various agencies. He stated that procedural reforms, except for changes requiring amendments to laws, have been given high priority.

Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel said banks and financial institutions have sufficient investable funds and that there are promising investment opportunities, particularly in the infrastructure sector. He urged investors to utilize the available capital.

CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey expressed concern that incidents of arson, vandalism, and looting of public and private property during the protests had alarmed industrialists and business owners. To strengthen transparency, curb corruption, and ensure good governance, he emphasized the need to rapidly digitalize public services to make them faceless, paperless, and contactless.

Sushil Gyawali, CEO of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), said the board is actively working to create a conducive business environment for project investors and developers. He announced that IBN is introducing a single-window service system. Under this system, private investors will be able to apply directly to the board for projects, and approval processes will be handled in an integrated manner through this single point of service.