Kathmandu, August 25
A parliamentary committee has sought suggestions from the private sector on ways to reduce legal procedures and administrative hassles involved in operating businesses.
The Infrastructure Development Committee of the House of Representatives is holding discussions on the current status and potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in Nepal’s infrastructure development, investment promotion, and problems encountered in project implementation, along with possible solutions.
Following an initial round of discussions, the committee decided to seek suggestions from stakeholders on the issue. It made three decisions in this regard.
First, the committee will seek written views and suggestions within 15 days from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry on problems faced by the private sector due to existing laws, regulations and procedures, and areas where they expect government facilitation.
The committee has particularly sought suggestions on implementing a one-window policy, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, facilitating investment inflows, and creating an environment that makes it easier to repatriate investment and profits and undertake reinvestment.
Second, the committee has asked the Investment Board to submit, within 15 days, details on the current status of hydropower and waste-management projects facilitated and approved under the PPP model. It has also sought information on the problems encountered in delivering these projects and the initiatives the committee could undertake to address them.
Third, the committee has asked for clear recommendations within 15 days on necessary reforms to the Investment Board Act and related legal provisions, as well as on the appropriate role of the Investment Board—whether it should focus on facilitating and coordinating investments or issuing permits.
