BIRATNAGAR: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized building a self-reliant and prosperous economy.
Inaugurating the Democratic Fighters' Honour Ceremony and industrialists' conclave in Biratnagar Metropolitan City on Saturday, the president stated that industrialists could play important role in forming a socialism-oriented economy.
He said the government's initiatives to recover the national economy dented by Covid 19 have shown positive results. He however said the country's economy is not up to the mark — revenue targets are missed, and industries are not operated at full scale.
He reminded of various personalities who had invaluable roles in democracy and freedoms in the country.
According to him, Biratnagar, the provenance of both political and industrial revolutions, houses the oldest Biratnagar Jute Mill where the labour movement was initiated.
He also congratulated all democratic figures, leaders, industrialists and journalists honoured on the occasion.
The president pointed out the need to stop the brain drain by imparting training to human resources in the country and producing capable human resources with the expansion of industries related to agriculture, forest and minerals. The Head of the State asked the industrialists and businesspersons to create such an environment in the country.
He opined that the government alone cannot make the country self-reliant, create employment, and promote exports and mentioned that it is possible only when the government collaborates with the private sector. He suggested making public private partnerships more effective.
President Paudel said the incumbent government would formulate new policy and act by taking into confidence the private sector and holding broader consultations.
It is necessary to move ahead with robust collaboration among federal, provincial, local levels and private sector for environment conservation as well as green and resilient economy and sustainable development.
President Paudel opined various shrines in the Koshi Province such as Halesi Mahadev, Tyamke's Siddha Baba, Pathibhara Devi, Chintang Devi, Barahakshetra and stupas, temples and Lobharkati Kirat temple could be developed as attractive tourism destinations so that national economy could be contributed.
"This region has tremendous potential both in tourism and industrial aspects. All we need is a strong determination, commitment, honesty and morality," he asserted.
Wishing for the successful tenure of the team of establishment leadership, the Head of the State wished for the good health and longevity of all those feted on the occasion.
Similarly, Koshi Province Governor Parshuram Khapung said the state should pay heed to the problems being faced by entrepreneurs of private sector.
Likewise, Koshi Province Chief Minister Kedar Karki emphasized the State's role in addressing the needs and aspirations of the public.
Nepali Congress' central committee member Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar acknowledged the president as someone who long struggled for democracy and republic and urged him to play the role of a guardian to safeguard the federal democratic republic.
In the programme presided over by Bhim Ghimire, President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), former Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki and CNI's Founder President Binod Kumar Chaudhary among others put forth their views.
Altogether 29 personalities including freedom fighters, entrepreneurs and journalists duo Shankhar Kharel and Ananta Neupane were honoured at the event.
CNI, on the occasion, feted President Paudel.
