KATHMANDU: Former Finance Minister of the Philippines, Dr. Roberto F. de Ocampo, reflected on the economic challenges faced in Asia in 1997, sharing valuable insights from that period and the subsequent economic policies adopted by various countries.
This exchange took place at an interaction held at Pavilion Hall, organized by the Institute for Strategic and Socio-Economic Research (ISSR) in Kathmandu.
The session focused on a comprehensive exchange of experiences and discussions on current economic issues.
Dr. Ocampo elaborated on his experiences with tax system reforms, the role of the private sector, and public-private partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure development—key strategies that helped address the economic crisis during his tenure.
He also highlighted the Philippines’ successful partnerships with international organizations to mitigate economic challenges.
The program featured active participation from former Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, former Chief Secretaries Bimal Koirala and Shankar Das Bairagi, former Governor Dr. Tilak Rawal, ISSR President Dr. Bishwambhar Pyakurel, Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Kamalesh Agarwal, and others. Participants engaged actively, sharing queries and perspectives.
Attendees expressed that they greatly benefited from Dr. Ocampo’s insights.
He emphasized the importance of recognizing each country’s unique problems and potential, and stressed the need for clarity regarding a country’s primary sector and national interests for economic advancement.
In the context of Nepal, Dr. Ocampo suggested focusing on sectors such as tourism and minerals.
He also addressed the growing issue of youth migration, which is similarly affecting the Philippines.
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