KATHMANDU: Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has dismissed rumours that the government is preparing a list to arrest or crack down on industrialists and businesspersons, urging the private sector not to be misled by misinformation.
Speaking at an event in Kathmandu on Friday evening, Wagle clarified that the government has not prepared any such list targeting entrepreneurs for arrest or detention.
“Do not believe rumours. You are our partners,” he said, addressing concerns from the private sector.
He stressed that the private sector is a key partner in the government’s vision of building a $100 billion economy. Outlining government priorities, Wagle said the focus includes good governance, economic recovery, domestic and international connectivity, social investment, and expanding soft power through tourism, culture, and heritage.
He added that the country is currently at a stage where it must “turn around the economic ship,” and urged businesses to wait until the upcoming budget for further policy direction.
Drawing a comparison with Narendra Modi’s leadership in India, Wagle said India’s economic indicators in 2014–15 were similar to Nepal’s current situation, but the country has since achieved significant growth over the past decade.
“We are now at a similar turning point. It is time for us to move in the same direction,” he said.
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