NRNA calls for clear laws, constitutional citizenship to encourage investment in Nepal

Kathmandu / March 30: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) emphasized the need for clear laws and citizenship, as prescribed by the constitution, to encourage investment in Nepal. During the 16th Europe Regional Conference in Malta, the advocates highlighted the importance of political stability and a favorable investment environment, urging the Nepal government to take action.

While raising their concerns with Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhattarai, they made these demands. They stressed that political stability is essential and noted that the environment for investment in Nepal has not yet fully developed.

It was stated by Industry Minister Bhattarai that an environment for investment has been created by the government, but much work still remains to be done. Examples from India and China were cited, emphasizing the importance of political stability for investment. He mentioned, “The government’s priority now is to implement policy reforms. Our laws are cumbersome, and much needs to be streamlined. Ordinances have been brought forward to address systemic issues.”

It was also informed that, in the future, industries could be registered online from abroad. Minister Bhattarai committed to raising the concerns raised at the conference with the Prime Minister and to taking steps to resolve them.

It was mentioned by NRNA Malta President Remlal Khanal that the trend of bringing people to Malta through various inducements has been increasing, and a caution was issued regarding this. While the exact number of Nepalis in Malta remains uncertain, an estimate of around 30,000 was provided. However, it was highlighted that only about 10,000 have come through work permits.

Meanwhile, Badri KC’s group has been organizing NRNA programs in various countries and inviting Nepalese ministers. However, the high-level committee, led by Shesh Ghale, has issued a warning to avoid interfering with their work.

Ghale serves as the coordinator of the high-level committee of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), which the Supreme Court formed.

The committee has raised serious objections, stating that another group is obstructing their work. Reminding everyone that the court’s decision annulled the 10th and 11th conventions, the high-level committee clarified that neither the court, the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor the high-level committee recognizes the group led by Badri KC.

The Supreme Court has ordered the high-level committee to hold the unification convention within six months of its first meeting. However, after the secretariat blocked access, the committee announced that it is creating a separate website to distribute membership.

Dr Shesh Ghale, the coordinator of the high-level committee, confirmed that the unification convention will take place in Kathmandu from May 3 to 5, 2025. He urged the diaspora community to take this matter seriously, warning that if the convention is not held and the organization is not updated by May 18, the NRNA could face dissolution.