The National Business Initiative (NBI) together with International Alert conducted an interactive workshop between representatives of the Private Sector, Development Agencies and NGOs where preliminary conclusions of a research mission by Dr. Naoise Mac Sweeney were presented. The participants discussed the Requirements for Private Sector Development and Inclusive Growth in Nepal. Main concerns were the improvement of law and order situation, and the need to speed up infrastructural development including electricity supply. A common agenda for the future will also be to increase co-ordination between Private Sector and Development Agencies and that more development/infrastructural projects are participated by national businesses.

Bandhs were named as one of the biggest immediate challenges not only to businesses but the society in general as they cause huge costs which eventually result in higher prices and people loosing their jobs and businesses. Private Sector and Development Agencies agreed on the need to support the governments’ efforts to create a more conducive business environment in order to create employment, increase state revenues and contribute to peace and stability.

All participants also shared the view that it will be of utmost importance to inform the society about the positive impact of Private Sector for the development of Nepal. Even though this is a clear and well-known fact, it is not yet widely understood by the Nepalese Society. Increasing transparency about Private Sectors contributions such as provision of goods, jobs, benefits, taxes, infrastructural development, social engagement and responsible business practices will be an important task for business leaders in the days to come.

You can read/download the report in our 'publication' section