KATHMANDU, July 26: Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has urged Nepalis living abroad to remain confident in the government's commitment to the principle of "Once a Nepali, always a Nepali."
Addressing a conference organised virtually by young Nepali entrepreneurs in Australia on Saturday, Wagle said the government and the ruling party remain firmly committed to that principle.
"We are clear about our belief that once a Nepali, always a Nepali. Be assured, once a Nepali, always a Nepali," he said, describing the Nepali diaspora as goodwill ambassadors for the country's development and investment.
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Wagle said the new government, formed with what he described as an unprecedented public mandate, is working to strengthen good governance and create conditions for economic growth. He stressed that support from Nepalis abroad would be vital to achieving those goals.
Reviewing the government's first 100 days in office, Wagle said it had made a strong start in improving governance, making public services more efficient and steering the economy toward recovery.
He said the leadership, from the prime minister to cabinet ministers, is committed to high ethical standards, merit-based governance, zero tolerance for corruption and economic reforms, calling the current initiatives the most significant reforms launched in the past decade.
The finance minister said the latest budget had introduced tax, revenue and expenditure reforms while opening new avenues for investment. He expressed hope that Nepalis abroad would increase investment in Nepal.
He also assured investors that the government would facilitate the repatriation of investment returns and urged Nepalis in Australia to take the lead in bringing both their own and foreign investment into Nepal.
Wagle said the government has introduced initiatives such as NRNA Bonds, Offshore Bonds and alternative financing mechanisms to encourage greater diaspora investment.
He invited the Nepali community abroad to suggest additional measures the government could take to facilitate investment, saying such support is essential for economic recovery beyond government spending.
Noting that Nepalis make up nearly one percent of Australia's population, Wagle said they are a valuable asset for Nepal's prosperity and called on them to unite in contributing to the country's development.
