Forest sector should be made major pillar of economy: Finance Minister

Kathmandu. Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal has said that the role of forestry is important in the country’s economy and it should be made the basis of prosperity of the country.

Participating in a tree plantation programme organized on the premises of the Federal Parliament Building on Friday, he stressed the need of making forest area the basis for the country’s prosperity. Minister Khanal said that he had the opportunity to closely understand the contribution of the forest sector to the country’s economy during his tenure at the ministry. He informed that the government has taken more than half a dozen important steps to advance the contribution of the forest sector. Minister Khanal said that a major chunk of income from tourism sector in Nepal would be derived from forest areas.

He said that the main reason for the number of foreign tourists visiting the trekking routes of Nepal is the forests and natural beauty of the area. He said that there are many areas where Nepal can be declared as a biosphere reserve to make it known to the world and discussions are being held with the officials of the Ministry of Forest in this regard.

“A common understanding has already been reached between the Ministry of Forest and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies to promote timber based industries in Nepal,” he said. Some homework is also being done on its implementation. Wildlife tourism is entirely due to the contribution of the forest area. We receive a large amount of foreign currency, national income and revenue due to the contribution received from the Ministry of Forests. ’

Minister Khanal also stressed on the need for further programmes and policies to be directed on how the forest could contribute to the country’s economy without harming the forest.