I am working rising above partisan, personal interest: Minister Mahat

Kathmandu / May 20: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has held a discussion with Finance Committee under the House of Representatives regarding the latest state of the economy and indicators today.

On the occasion, Finance Minister Mahat shared that priority would be given to promoting Nepali industrialists and entrepreneurs in the upcoming budget and the government would remain active in promoting Nepali industry and business.

During the discussion, lawmakers enquired about the current situation of the economy. Responding to queries of lawmakers, Minister Mahat opined, “We should not close the doors of our progress going abroad saying there are no opportunities in the country. We have to create opportunities in the country. It should be kept as a priority and there is no doubt about it. The capacity of youths should be utilized in the country.”

He laid emphasis on the need of increasing production within the country. FM Mahat expressed commitment to utilising his knowledge and experience to improve the country’s economy.

He said, “There is a need for reform in the economy. I will work honestly to resolve the problems utilizing my knowledge and experience. I do not say I will settle all problems within two months. It will be resolved gradually.”

Stating that the main challenge surfaced in the implementation of development construction activities and planning, Finance Minister Mahat mentioned that a trend of demanding resources after nine months of the fiscal year has been discouraged.

FM Mahat opined, “My entire focus will be on whether capital expenditure and revenue mobilization lead to quality products or not. I am working to rise above the partisan and personal interest as it is a matter of country and the people.”

He further said it was necessary to review whether the foreign loans have helped our economy or not. Minister Mahat viewed, “It is not possible to bring a loan immediately as per our need. It has also its limits and we need to show our ability to spend. Our capital and interest are increasing. We have not been able to reimburse the loan taken during an earthquake. Pressure will be increased on general and capital expenditures if we start focusing our attention on reimbursing loans.”

Lawmakers—Surya Bahadur Thapa, Padam Giri, Dr Swarnim Wagle, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and Gyanendra Shahi, among others, inquired about the recent condition of the country’s economy in the meeting. RSS