KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has urged industrialists not to be fearful, assuring that the government does not intend to undermine or damage the private sector.
Speaking at a meeting with private sector representatives on Sunday, Lamichhane said the government’s objective is not to discourage business activity but to pursue policy reforms aimed at improving governance and the economic environment.
He called on industrialists to support the government’s good governance campaign, stating that progress can be achieved only through cooperation between the state and the private sector. However, he also noted that the government would strictly monitor activities that negatively impact the economy.
Lamichhane acknowledged that in the past, political instability had led to situations where businesspersons faced pressure from different power centres. He said the government was aware of those experiences and assured that such circumstances would not be repeated.
Addressing the business community, he said, “What has happened to your morale? I have heard that there is some fear, and that is why I have come to discuss with you. You do not need to worry. If there are issues to accelerate the good governance agenda, feel free to raise them. We will work together. The government has no intention of discouraging any businessman or ruining businesses.”
He further said the state would closely examine activities that could weaken economic institutions or threaten financial stability, adding that corrective measures would be taken where necessary.
Referring to past political dynamics, he noted that business leaders had at times been compelled to approach political actors due to instability and policy uncertainty. He acknowledged that compromises may have occurred in such situations but said the current government would work differently.
Lamichhane reiterated that the government would operate based on its electoral commitments and would not go beyond the promises made to voters. He also urged business leaders to conduct internal reviews of their own practices and cooperate with the state in correcting past shortcomings.
Stating that policy reform, good governance, and economic restructuring are key priorities of the government, he assured support for necessary legal and institutional changes to facilitate economic reform.
He also stressed that business leaders should no longer have to approach political figures informally for problem-solving, as had been the practice in the past.
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