Butwal, September 29
Former President and senior CPN-UML leader Bidhya Devi Bhandari has called for resolving problems facing the industrial sector to promote the expansion of industries and businesses in the Lumbini region.
Speaking at a welcome programme held in Butwal, Rupandehi, on Tuesday, Bhandari said the government and stakeholders should consult industrialists and businesspeople and focus on addressing the problems affecting the sector.
Bhandari also said the construction of an international airport, international convention centre and road infrastructure in the Lumbini region were important achievements.
Recalling her political association with the region, Bhandari said she was first given the responsibility of UML vice-chairperson at the International Convention Centre in Lumbini.
“I was first given the responsibility of party vice-chairperson here at this International Convention Centre. At the time, we had discussed the need to develop this place with an international convention centre, sports ground and other infrastructure. Today, all of that has been completed. It is a matter of happiness for all of us,” she said.
Bhandari said Lumbini, which was already internationally renowned, had gained further prominence following the development of major infrastructure in the region.
“Now that an international airport and international convention centre have been built and good roads have also been constructed, the question is how to take industries and businesses forward. We need to consult our friends involved in industry and business and move ahead by resolving the problems in the industrial sector,” she said.
Bhandari also expressed happiness over being nominated as a senior leader of the UML, while saying that the process for formally assuming the responsibility had yet to be finalised.
The UML Central Committee meeting held recently nominated Bhandari as a senior leader of the party.
