PM doesn’t like private sector: Gagan Thapa

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa has accused Prime Minister Balendra Shah of not being positive towards the private sector.

He made the remarks while speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on Friday.

Thapa said that the government’s attitude towards the private sector has not been positive due to the recent statements and decisions of Prime Minister Shah. He pointed out that the Prime Minister should have set a clear economic policy and priorities regarding where to take the country’s economy.

He said that the issue of operation of government industries including Dairy Development Corporation, Hetauda Textile Industry and Nepal Drugs Limited should be seen in connection with the overall economic policy of the state. He stressed that the government should forward a policy to expand the role of the private sector in the economy rather than running the industry on its own.

Recalling that the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala had chosen the path of open, liberal and market-oriented economy after 2046 BS, Thapa said that the selection of the Prime Minister would determine the destiny of the country. He claimed that the basis for economic development could not be built if the then government did not trust the private sector and the market.

Thapa said that the Prime Minister will decide which way to take the country. “The current prime minister does not like to look at the private sector,” he said, adding, “It is not only in my own understanding, but he hates the private sector.” ’

He clarified that he did not say this only on the basis of speculation. “Some of his recent statements and decisions are like this,” Thapa said, adding, “I have said this for a long time in the central committee meeting of the party.” ’

Commenting on the government industries, he said that even if these things seem ordinary, those running the state should understand the state of the economy. “I wish that the Dairy Development Corporation, Hetauda Factory and Nepal Drugs Limited run and make profit,” he said, “But the people running the state should see how the economy is today.” ’

He stressed that the government should create an investment-friendly environment for the private sector.