It’s time to do something for Nepal: Prez

PRESIDENT Dr Ram Baran Yadav on Monday urged the Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) community to show the sense of responsibility towards the motherland through socially responsible investment. Inaugurating the 6th NRN Global Conference here on Monday, President Yadav expressed pleasure on how skills, knowledge and investment of NRNs are transforming the nation building process. “The number of Nepali migrants has grown by leaps and bounds. In positive aspect, intellectual property, and skill and knowledge transfer have also expanded,” he said. “Now, it’s time to do something for Nepal.” The President said the government is fully committed to ensure the sense of security and rule of law to attract investment in Nepal, stating successful Constituent Assembly elections in November will pave the way for a better and prosperous Nepal. Madhav Prasad Ghimire, minister for Home and Foreign Affairs, said the government recognises the contribution of NRNs on social and economic fronts. “Hence, the government wants to establish NRNs as a strong player for economic diplomacy.” The government has planned various facilities for the NRN community so that their contribution to the nation building process would strengthen further in the upcoming days, Ghimire said. NRNA Founder Patron Upendra Mahato underscored the need for according equal priority to economic development and politics. He urged the NRNs to come back to Nepal and contribute to nation building. Outgoing NRNA President Jiba Lamichhane said the NRN movement in the coming days would be more intensified. “We expect the upcoming constitution will address our demand for continuation of citizenship.” Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Suraj Vaidya said there are 45 companies in Nepal under NRNs’ investment, adding NRNs have mobilised Rs 30 billion in Nepal. Vaidya urged the government to form a separate ministry to look after NRN and foreign employment affairs. “As the country is in need of investment, we (the FNCCI) and NRNs need to move forward collectively, with a common goal.”