KATHMANDU: Prime Minister K P Oli has claimed that the last one year has been the year of foundation towards a prosperous Nepal.
In a televised address to the nation on the completion of the government’s first year in office, PM Oli claimed the first year has been spent by laying the foundation. “There is no looking back. The country is headed towards prosperity,” he maintained.
“The international community appreciated Nepal’s efforts,” he said during the address to the nation.
He, however, expressed the sarcasm as to how some people expected other infrastructures such as doors and windows at a time when the foundation work is being carried out.
Saying that Nepal is treading on the path of a ‘comprehensive democracy’, PM Oli refuted allegations that his government was headed towards authoritarianism. “Those allegations are based on prejudices. The charges are baseless,” he asserted adding that the government is committed to democratic values, social justice, equality and social inclusion.
“The government has been facing unnecessary criticism from various quarters,” he said expressing sarcasm over what he called some ‘opinion-makers’ of being hell-bent on defaming the country. “I am shocked with the way some people want to defame the country at a time when the government has been successful to giving a positive impression internationally,” he said.
He said power has been decentralized to the local level, quite a few laws have been enacted as per the spirit of the constitution, and those in conflict with the constitution have been amended. Likewise, investment-friendly laws have been formulated, he stated. “Moreover, my Davos visit has given an impression in the international arena that Nepal has an environment that is conducive to investment,” he maintained.
PM Oli justified the government’s performance citing its endeavor to maintain a balanced foreign policy. “Nepal’s relations with India has taken a new height, and the two governments are working closely to address other issues,” he informed.
He also recalled his participation in various international forums, including the 73rd UN General Assembly saying that he has succeeded to apprise and impress the international community and several heads of the states about the successful completion of Nepal’s peace process and the promulgation of the new constitution.
“The international community appreciated Nepal’s efforts,” he said during the address to the nation.
The Prime Minister also informed about the growth in agriculture sector, control in market price, significant inflow of tourists, among other issues.
The Prime Minister also reiterated his ‘zero tolerance’ commitment on corruption saying, “While I have been reiterating my commitment against corruption, it is ridiculous to see some people, accustomed to corruption, pointing fingers at the government,” he said.
The international summits, including BIMSTEC and others that Nepal hosted in the last one year, he said, helped in making clear Nepal’s stance on its foreign policy. “Let me also remind you that, Nepal has so far diplomatic relations with 163 countries,” he said.
The Prime Minister also mentioned about other achievements such as the 22 hours operation of the Tribhuvan International Airport, while the construction of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Lumbini, and Pokhara Regional Airport have been accelerated.
Likewise, PM Oli informed the progress in the hydropower sector such as the establishment of the Hydro Energy Bank, and the expedition of the Upper Tamakoshi and the Arun 3 hydro projects.
The Prime Minister also informed about the growth in agriculture sector, control in market price, significant inflow of tourists, among other issues.
On the occasion, PM Oli maintained that inflation is under control.
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