Investment Year: Wrong Time and Wrong Image
Investment is the task of lending or depositing money with the hope of future gain. Although there exists a risk in Investment, any investment made with wise decision undertaking wise research is less likely to betray, and this is why Investment’s charm has never gone down in any era of economic world.
Declaration of Investment Year 2012-2013 was a laudable step taken by the Government anyways. After all, Nepal seriously requires a huge investment to catch up the speed of development. Though Nepal has got huge resources, lack of proper utilization has been keeping the country far from where it was actually meant to be. So, Nepal requires investors for climbing higher on the ladder of process for sure. Until and unless a strong and dedicated investors come to Nepal promising proper utilization of natural resources here, neither are these resources going to be ever utilized, nor will the country ever move forward.
Yes, Nepal had to be better developed than Bhutan at this time. But, let us note the fact that Nepal has its Per Capita Income of 653 US$, and that of Bhutan of 2121 US$ as stated by International Monetary Fund of the report 2010-2011. Let us not forget the entire investments British made during their rule in India, that helped them attain high growth rate. This sheds light on how the neighboring country has been progressing at such a fast pace and shows where we actually are. Let us not forget the another fact that Nepal has been called as the second richest country when it comes to Water resources, which makes it clear that Bhutan certainly has less quantity of water resources than Nepal. But, welcoming foreign investment, making proper utilization of same water resources, the country has not only removed the word ‘load shedding’ but has been producing enough water resources to supply to the nearby countries as well. Although Nepal had to be popular when it comes to Mountains or Buddhism, but the way Bhutan has been expressing it to the third world, they are really building the good image than Nepal, and has been maintaining it properly. It is understandable that Nepal has been under political insurgencies, but how long are we going to respect this excuse?
The Investment Year clearly symbolizes that the investments will be safe and secure. Investor means both foreign as well as domestic of course. Now, the bitter reality again is, when the domestic investors themselves hesitate to make an investment, “How can the country welcome Foreign Investors?” is an important question. If I have huge sum of money, I would certainly not go and invest in Pakistan at this time, because of the future insecurity. No matter even if Pakistan calls for some grand Investment Year.
Now, there is not much difference between Pakistan and Nepal. Investing in Pakistan is risky because of US factor and investing in Nepal is risky because of Internal conflict within Nepal. A wise Investor would rather move towards Bangladesh or Bhutan with his fund. There won’t be much difference for them at all. So, who should be seeking for Investors? Should we stay idle claiming we have enough resources or should we welcome these investors?
There were continuous strikes a month ago. An Indian truck was destroyed at the time of importing goods. The entire industries were shut down in Terai for such a long time, and above all, the load shedding problem. So, why would an Indian investor want to invest in Nepal? Business does not depend on friendship; all it focuses on is lawful profit. If I was to spend, I would certainly not invest in any country like that, where my investment itself is in such a huge risk.
So, who should be responsible for welcoming Investments? Obviously, the Government who declared Investment Year without any question must be responsible for it. How many Investments has the country welcomed so far? As far as I have found out, Nepal has not been able to answer even those who are excited in investing here. Business has to be quick, but the delay in answering itself is negative symptom.
No, don’t be wrong, I am not against declaration of ‘Investment year’, the idea is really great. But, I am criticizing the timing that they made the announcement. When each and every individual living in Nepal is aware about the fact that there has been a Political disturbance which is likely to continue in near future as well, how wise was it to make such important announcement? Even if every thing is likely to go fine, the year 2012 seems completely instable for Nepal from any Political vision. Hence, hesitations for investment are not a big thing anyway.
Only after political stability had been maintained in the country, their declarations would turn out to be fruitful one. I say, it was a hurried decision, a decision made without any serious research. No, declaration of Investment Year is not a wrong concept, but when it comes to such decision making thing, there certainly has to be a definite planning and organizing. Next Government has entire right to declare the year 2013 as ‘Sports Year’, yes that is kind of necessary for the country for sure, after all only such decision can uplift the country’s sports. But, how wise would it be to declare next year ‘Sports Year’? A careful analysis is must of course.
Things happen for some good cause. I have believed this statement for long time, at least it helps to build the positive attitude among the individuals. Now, when the Government has already declared the year as Investment Year, there is nothing we can do to postpone it. But there has to be some one to play smart roles for welcoming the investments from domestic as well as international investors. There has to be guarantee of their investment, and treaties like BIPPA should be entertained to assure them. But, let that treaty not be worthless like the BIPPA with India. First, the Government has to ensure the smooth operation of existing industries and organizations of the country. And only when the feeling appears that Nepal is safe place for Investment, foreign investors would peep into here. Seti Project has been troubled by the peoples there itself, now how can any foreign investors make up their mind in such situations?
2012-2013 both has been called as the Investment Year. One forth of this Investment clearly seems to be wasted, Let the other quarters be fruitful!
PUBLISHED IN THE RISING NEPAL, FRIDAY SUPPLEMENT DATED JUNE 29, 2012 PAGE II
Investment is the task of lending or depositing money with the hope of future gain. Although there exists a risk in Investment, any investment made with wise decision undertaking wise research is less likely to betray, and this is why Investment’s charm has never gone down in any era of economic world.
Declaration of Investment Year 2012-2013 was a laudable step taken by the Government anyways. After all, Nepal seriously requires a huge investment to catch up the speed of development. Though Nepal has got huge resources, lack of proper utilization has been keeping the country far from where it was actually meant to be. So, Nepal requires investors for climbing higher on the ladder of process for sure. Until and unless a strong and dedicated investors come to Nepal promising proper utilization of natural resources here, neither are these resources going to be ever utilized, nor will the country ever move forward.
Yes, Nepal had to be better developed than Bhutan at this time. But, let us note the fact that Nepal has its Per Capita Income of 653 US$, and that of Bhutan of 2121 US$ as stated by International Monetary Fund of the report 2010-2011. Let us not forget the entire investments British made during their rule in India, that helped them attain high growth rate. This sheds light on how the neighboring country has been progressing at such a fast pace and shows where we actually are. Let us not forget the another fact that Nepal has been called as the second richest country when it comes to Water resources, which makes it clear that Bhutan certainly has less quantity of water resources than Nepal. But, welcoming foreign investment, making proper utilization of same water resources, the country has not only removed the word ‘load shedding’ but has been producing enough water resources to supply to the nearby countries as well. Although Nepal had to be popular when it comes to Mountains or Buddhism, but the way Bhutan has been expressing it to the third world, they are really building the good image than Nepal, and has been maintaining it properly. It is understandable that Nepal has been under political insurgencies, but how long are we going to respect this excuse?
The Investment Year clearly symbolizes that the investments will be safe and secure. Investor means both foreign as well as domestic of course. Now, the bitter reality again is, when the domestic investors themselves hesitate to make an investment, “How can the country welcome Foreign Investors?” is an important question. If I have huge sum of money, I would certainly not go and invest in Pakistan at this time, because of the future insecurity. No matter even if Pakistan calls for some grand Investment Year.
Now, there is not much difference between Pakistan and Nepal. Investing in Pakistan is risky because of US factor and investing in Nepal is risky because of Internal conflict within Nepal. A wise Investor would rather move towards Bangladesh or Bhutan with his fund. There won’t be much difference for them at all. So, who should be seeking for Investors? Should we stay idle claiming we have enough resources or should we welcome these investors?
There were continuous strikes a month ago. An Indian truck was destroyed at the time of importing goods. The entire industries were shut down in Terai for such a long time, and above all, the load shedding problem. So, why would an Indian investor want to invest in Nepal? Business does not depend on friendship; all it focuses on is lawful profit. If I was to spend, I would certainly not invest in any country like that, where my investment itself is in such a huge risk.
So, who should be responsible for welcoming Investments? Obviously, the Government who declared Investment Year without any question must be responsible for it. How many Investments has the country welcomed so far? As far as I have found out, Nepal has not been able to answer even those who are excited in investing here. Business has to be quick, but the delay in answering itself is negative symptom.
No, don’t be wrong, I am not against declaration of ‘Investment year’, the idea is really great. But, I am criticizing the timing that they made the announcement. When each and every individual living in Nepal is aware about the fact that there has been a Political disturbance which is likely to continue in near future as well, how wise was it to make such important announcement? Even if every thing is likely to go fine, the year 2012 seems completely instable for Nepal from any Political vision. Hence, hesitations for investment are not a big thing anyway.
Only after political stability had been maintained in the country, their declarations would turn out to be fruitful one. I say, it was a hurried decision, a decision made without any serious research. No, declaration of Investment Year is not a wrong concept, but when it comes to such decision making thing, there certainly has to be a definite planning and organizing. Next Government has entire right to declare the year 2013 as ‘Sports Year’, yes that is kind of necessary for the country for sure, after all only such decision can uplift the country’s sports. But, how wise would it be to declare next year ‘Sports Year’? A careful analysis is must of course.
Things happen for some good cause. I have believed this statement for long time, at least it helps to build the positive attitude among the individuals. Now, when the Government has already declared the year as Investment Year, there is nothing we can do to postpone it. But there has to be some one to play smart roles for welcoming the investments from domestic as well as international investors. There has to be guarantee of their investment, and treaties like BIPPA should be entertained to assure them. But, let that treaty not be worthless like the BIPPA with India. First, the Government has to ensure the smooth operation of existing industries and organizations of the country. And only when the feeling appears that Nepal is safe place for Investment, foreign investors would peep into here. Seti Project has been troubled by the peoples there itself, now how can any foreign investors make up their mind in such situations?
2012-2013 both has been called as the Investment Year. One forth of this Investment clearly seems to be wasted, Let the other quarters be fruitful!
PUBLISHED IN THE RISING NEPAL, FRIDAY SUPPLEMENT DATED JUNE 29, 2012 PAGE II
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