Legal and policy reforms essential for infrastructure development: NCC president

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal has said legal and policy reforms must accompany infrastructure development to enhance Nepal's economic competitiveness.

Addressing a workshop on legal reforms for investment and development organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development on Friday, Agrawal noted that policy ambiguities, complex legal procedures and a lack of coordination among agencies delay project execution. He highlighted the need for a single-window system to reduce project time and costs.

"Infrastructure development is not something achieved through budget alone; legal frameworks also influence it," President Agrawal said. "If processes are simplified, investment is attracted; if respect for contracts and transparency are ensured, private capital is mobilised; and if accountability is maintained, public trust grows."

He stated that the government's proposed legal amendments should select projects based on technical capacity, financial capability and socio-environmental impacts, rather than solely on minimum price. He added that environmental approvals and land acquisition require time-bound procedures so projects do not stall, though citizen rights and environmental protection must not be weakened.

Stating that the private sector desires stable policies and an investment-friendly environment rather than special privileges, Agrawal called for clear laws regarding investment security, dispute resolution and the specific roles of federal, provincial and local governments. This, he noted, is essential to carry out development efficiently through public-private partnerships.

He further mentioned that modern infrastructure must now encompass digital technology, cybersecurity and smart systems alongside traditional physical structures. He stressed that the government and the private sector must move forward as development partners to advance the national economy in an integrated manner.