Ghale announces Candidacy for Second Term

Kathmandu / September 22: The incumbent president of Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA) Shesh Ghale has announced his candidacy for the post of president for second term.

Addressing a meeting in London on Thursday, Ghale said that he is contesting for the presidential post in the 7th NRNA Global Conference to be held in Kathmandu from October 14 to 17 due to pressure from his friends. “There are many unfinished jobs,” he said, adding that his continuation will help complete many unfinished jobs started by him.

On the occasion, Ghale, one of the successful businessmen and Australia-based billionaire, said that Nepal is passing through hard times after the devastating earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks. “Nepal needs to carry out reconstruction work effectively,” he said, adding that the pending issue of migrant Nepali workers, knowledge and skill transfer, and construction of NRNA building are some of the unfinished jobs that need to be completed.

Thanking the government for providing citizenship to NRNs through new constitution, he said that the ball is now on the court of NRNs. “Now, it is the turn of NRNs to prove that we care for our motherland,” he added.

Since its establishment, NRNA had been lobbying for dual citizenship. Though NRNs claim to have invested heavily in Nepal, there are only a few who have invested in their motherland.

Ghale, along with founding president Upendra Mahato, former president Jiba Lamichhane, incumbent vice president Bhawan Bhatta, and a couple of NRNs have invested in Nepal. Ghale is building a five-star hotel in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had laid foundation stone of the 17-story five-star Sheraton Kathmandu Hotel in October last year.

The hotel is being built with investment of Rs 8 billion. The hotel, which is expected to come into operation in February 2018, is being built by MIT Group Holdings Nepal — a member of the Ghale Group of Companies which has diverse businesses in Australia and other countries.

Ghale is been appointed Nepal’s special envoy for reconstruction in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that floored down thousands of houses, infrastructures and heritage sites.