CNI, Sudurpashchim Province govt hold talks on investment summit

KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Sudurpashchim Province government held discussions at the CNI secretariat on Monday, focusing on the Investment and Development Summit the province is preparing to host.

During the meeting, Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah requested CNI’s participation in the summit and urged investment in the region’s high-potential sectors. He also called on CNI, the organisation of industrialists, to play a leading role in attracting investment to the province.

Chief Minister Shah said the provincial government is committed to creating an investment-friendly environment through legal and policy reforms and ensuring the security of investments. He expressed support for investors’ concerns that they cannot establish industries solely by purchasing land and pledged that the government will provide the necessary land for industrial set-up, as well as build infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water to the sites. He said, “Tell us how much land you need for the industry. The provincial government guarantees to provide the land. We will provide the roads, water and electricity. You just invest.”

He added that the government, in partnership with the federal administration and all political parties in the province, is united in crafting investment-friendly rules and laws and seeks to advance in cooperation with the private sector.

On the occasion, CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to support the Investment and Development Summit. Pandey highlighted the need to increase private sector investment for the country’s overall economic development and stated that investment will flow to the province if investment-friendly conditions and legal and policy facilitation are in place.

Former CNI President Hari Bhakta Sharma asserted that investment cannot be realised solely through land purchase and committed that investment will follow if the provincial government provides land and implements a swift, streamlined process. He emphasised that governments must work with the private sector to boost investment.

CNI Vice President Raj Bahadur Shah said the organisation stands ready to coordinate efforts to ensure the summit’s success. He mentioned that, to attract investment, the government must offer legal and policy facilitation and other support processes beyond funding. Shah also described Sudurpashchim Province as fertile ground for investment.

The discussion was attended by provincial ministers, former ministers, people’s representatives, chief secretary and other senior officials, along with CNI Senior Vice President Nirvana Chaudhary, CNI's National Council members, industrialists and Director General Ghanashyam Ojha.