<img width="1692" height="1171" src="https://superdesk-pro-c.s3.amazonaws.com/sd-nepalitimes/2022110811118/636a2b399c7e80680e045964jpeg.jpg" alt=""/>Capacity and WillpowerThere are immense opportunities waiting for investment to uplift the living standard of 30 million honest and hardworking people. The Government is stable and remains fully committed to protecting investments with assured profit.Nepal must prosper and it can prosper. The vision for development has found place in over 75 viable projects in different sectors that will be presented to participants during the course of the Summit.Read also:<a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.01em;" href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/editorial/invest-in-investment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Invest in investment</a>, Editorial<a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/maze/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maze</a><img src="https://superdesk-pro-c.s3.amazonaws.com/sd-nepalitimes/2022110811118/636a2b3c9c7e80680e045965jpeg.jpg" alt="" width="211" height="182">The promulgation of the democratic and progressive constitution in 2015 and successful holding of elections of all three tiers of the federal setup has effectively ended the protracted political transition, and has fostered a sense of high optimism in Nepali people. An optimism that the long-cherished dream of socio-economic transformation can now become a reality. An optimism that country’s development is possible in this generation, and that [the slogan] ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’ is not a far-fetched fantasy but an attainable vision.The democratically elected government has both capacity and willpower to steer the development process. The constitution is flexible to accommodate the genuine aspirations of the entire Nepali people. [The Government] has been able to bring a force that until recently remained outside into constitutional fold. In Nepal, there is no place for violence. Any attempt to disrupt law and order will be firmly and resolutely dealt with as per law.Read also: <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/nepal-has-to-curb-corruption-before-wooing-investors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nepal has to curb corruption before wooing investors</a>, Ramesh Kumar<a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/overseas-nepalis-are-not-impressed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Overseas Nepalis are not impressed</a>, Sewa Bhattaraihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rHbBYRhWKINepal has had a history of success in political change and failure in institutionalising it. Now the things have changed. We have institutionalised the achievements and brought stability.Political stability, which is the key prerequisite to economic growth, is absolutely fulfilled now.Together with political stability policy consistency is ensured. Legal, institutional and procedural reforms that were long overdue has gained speed. The past one-year has been the base year for policy and legal reform. Many new laws have been drafted translating the provisions of the new constitution into legal and institutional framework. The new framework hasalso created conducive environment for foreign direct investment, among others.Economic TransformationPolitical transformation alone cannot be enough and sustainable without economic transformation.If we could successfully steer country’s historic political transformation, there is no reason why we cannot do the same in the economic realm. The central task before us is to undertake rapid economic transformation, and the immediate goal is to graduate from Least Developed Country status and the medium term goal is to become a middle-income country and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Read also:<a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/latest/nepal-inc/">Nepal Inc.</a>, Suman Joshi<a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.01em;" href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/opinion/how-nepal-can-invest-in-improving-the-investment-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How Nepal can invest in improving the investment climate</a>, Anil Chitrakar <figure><img width="1199" height="828" src="https://superdesk-pro-c.s3.amazonaws.com/sd-nepalitimes/2022110811118/636a2b3d9c7e80680e045966jpeg.jpg" alt=""><figcaption>PM KP Oli inaugurates the Investment Summit at Hotel Soaltee, Kathmandu, on Friday. Photo: World Bank Nepal / Twitter</figcaption></figure>To realize this, we need to attain double-digit growth over the next years. A tentative estimation by the National Planning Commission is that the country would require an investment of over 98 trillion Nepali rupees (about USD 88billion) over the next five years. Domestic resources alone will not be sufficient to meet this requirement, and there is a need for huge investment.The economic policy and its orientation is explicitly spelled out in the Constitution which is premised on the realisation that growth and prosperity is possible only through partnership between and development of public, private and cooperative sectors.Good Governance and Rule of LawInvestment requires transparent and responsive governance and rule of law. With elected representatives in all levels of our federal set up, governance attributes are improving. There is already healthy competition among the provinces and local governments on incentivising investment and getting more of it.[The Government] has absolutely zero tolerance on corruption. Good governance is essential for economic development and prosperity. We are committed to promote free and fair competition among private sector stakeholders. We have taken firm stand against cartels and syndicates.     Read also: <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/a-roller-coaster-ride/">A roller coaster ride</a>, Shyamal Shrestha<a style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.01em;" href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/opinion/early-investors-didnt-sell-nepal-short/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Early investors didn't sell Nepal Short</a>, Lisa Choegyal In the past few months substantial progress has been made in improving the investment climate in the country. A sound regulatory framework has been established with the enactment of two key legislations: the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act; and the Public-Private Partnership and Investment Act. The latter provides one-stop service for any foreign investment of over NPR 6 billion or a hydropower project of over 200 MW capacity.The Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Actensures national treatment for any foreign investment. An automatic route system has been introduced to keep the foreign direct investment related processes simple and predictable, and repatriation is guaranteed on the earning or equity.Nepal has recently implemented a universal, contribution-based social security scheme that will have a transformative impact on the country’s socio-economic landscape. The scheme, which covers medicare facilities, safe motherhood, and accidental and old-age security of workers, does not only buttress the foundation of a welfare society but also ensure better and healthier industrial relations, which will contribute to conducive environment for investors.Read also: <a href="https://www.nepalitimes.com/opinion/climate-risk-to-hydropower-investment/">Climate risk to hydropower investment</a>, Ajaya DixitThe reform drive has gone well beyond this regulatory framework, and is marked by the strengthening of institutions, building capacity, streamlining and simplifying processes and procedures.Statutory provisions pertaining to land acquisition, company registration, environmental assessment and infrastructure development have been relaxed and simplified. Online registration and payment systems will soon be upgraded to full automation.Nepal will actively pursue bilateral investment protection agreement with friendly countries that will further ensure protection for foreign investment. Negotiations will be conducted with interested countries to avoid double taxation so as to provide further incentives.The next reform cycle will involve policies and comprehensive legislation in the field of intellectual property rights commensurate with Nepal’s rights and obligation under various multilateral instruments.Economic policyNepal is one of the most flexible countries when it comes to economic policy and welcoming foreign investment. All sectors, barring a narrow box of sensitive areas, are open for foreign investment. And, 100 percent investment is allowed in almost all areas. There is attractive incentive package in terms of corporate taxation, import duties and export facilitation. Tax rates are predictable and tax holidays are guaranteed by law for those industries that meet established criteria.Nepal has a huge demographic dividend with about 57 percent of population representing the working-age group. The labour cost is competitive and low, and there is a good pool of English-speaking population specially amongst the youngsters. Policies and programmes have been developed to enable Nepali youth to be multi-skilled. Qualified and skilled manpower is available at reasonable cost locally, to make will make your investment less costly.Sound macroeconomic indicators have been maintained, hence investing in Nepal is risk free.An independent judiciary, capable of adjudicating industrial and investment related disputes on a fast-track basis, has been the mainstay of our legal system.InfrastructureBuilding infrastructure is the Government’s priority and the commitment is well reflected in the progress made in the sector of vital infrastructure. Almost round-the-clock electricity supply has been guaranteed for industries and the country will soon witness a power surplus. Road connections within the country and cross-border connectivity have improved substantially. The strategic Kathmandu-Terai Fast Track that was just a dream a few years back is now becoming a reality.   Nepal’s Special Economic Zones have both infrastructure and other amenitiesto set up industries. One such SEZ is already in operation while several others are being developed in different parts of the country. The Special Economic Zone Authority Act has been revised recently to improve conditions for investment and operation of industries. With Nepal having established a federal system of governance, the aim is to undertake a balanced development approach so that all the provinces get fair opportunities for the development of their industrial base with foreign investment. Guided by this spirit, the Government has decided to establish at least one industrial estate in each province. Likewise, with a view to promoting small and medium-size enterprises, one industrial village each will be established at the local level.Location and ConnectivityInvestors know better than others, about the importance of location.Nepal’s strategic location between the world's two largest markets with increasing purchasing power, China and India, serves as a compelling incentive for investment. Nepal enjoys access to both markets on preferential terms.With India, Nepal has duty free arrangements for most of its products, both primary and industrial goods, while China has granted a significant number of tariff lines duty free access to its market. Beyond the neighbourhood, export from Nepal is entitled to various kinds of duty-free and preferential schemes put in operation for the group of least developed countries. The size of the domestic market is also expanding along with the growth of middle class and the people’s purchasing power. The connectivity disadvantage Nepal has had is gradually dissipating because of the efforts at connectivity diversification as well as support from our friendly neighbours. Road, rail, waterways, airways and transmission-ways are covered within the framework of multi-dimensional connectivity network with both neighbours.Port access has improved, with Nepal having started utilising the Vizag Port of India for its trade and transit two years ago. Availability of a modern alternative port has helped reduce hassles at the crowded Kolkata/Haldia port. The Digital Tracking and Transshipment Systems introduced recently has eased the transportation process. A new transit route through use of inland waterways is under progress, which will connect landlocked Nepal to the sea. Transit procedures are being simplified through the use of modern technology and this will surely reduce the cost of business. Nepal ahs signed a Transport Transit Agreement with China and a Protocol to the Agreement will be signed soon. This will enable Nepal also to use Chinese territory and port facilities for its international trade and transit.Hydropower, Tourism and AgricultureWhen it comes to investment, hydropower could be a prime choice (for investors). There are other potential areas: agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, information technologies, mines and minerals, to name a few.The Government’s target is to generate 3000MW power in three years, 5000MW in five years and 15,000MW in ten years. While domestic consumption will gradually increase with the rapidindustrialization drive, the prospect of regional electricity market is also coming to fruition with a positive initiative recently taken by India.Work is also being done on the infrastructure foundation of cross border transmission lines. A robust master plan for such transmission line requirement is already at hand, which will guide our future course of action. The recently concluded MoU on the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection has opened up the possibility for cross-border power trade in BIMSTEC region. Meanwhile, Nepal and Bangladesh have also signed the MoU on Power Trade.These developments make Nepal’s hydropower more and more investment-worthy. Converting water into wealth is, therefore, a not-to-be missed opportunity.Tourism is another important sector for investment. Nepal has matchless natural beauty and incredible cultural treasures.  Natural and cultural diversity make Nepal a tourist paradise round the year. 2020 is being celebrated as the Visit Nepal Year, and the intention is to attract more than 2 million tourists a year.  Nepal seeks investment for upgrading tourism infrastructure, including hotels and resorts.Agriculture has huge potentials for development. As Nepal moves from subsistence level to a commercial agriculture through modernisation, huge investment will be required. Nepal wants to enhance productivity of agriculture while reducing people’s dependence on it.  Given Nepal’s topography and climatic setting, Nepal can develop organic farming system with products of high export potential.National ConsensusThe government is not only stable with two-third majority in the Parliament, it is also has clear vision and objective for the development of the country. In devising economic policy, the Government is not moving alone. The private sector has been taken on board as an indispensable partner in the journey to economic transformation.The development agenda and foreign investment enjoy national consensus in Nepal. All political forces in the Parliament stand together to invite and encourage foreign investment.Nepal is ready for business and investment. We welcome your investment. Feel secure and seize the moment.  Your investmentwill be protected and your profit will be guaranteed. We do not want any further delay in our journey towards prosperity. Speedy and comprehensive development is the only option and the call of the hour.END

original

674x448

610x380

500x500

400x266

400x240

400x203

301x200

1250x600

1084x550

“Investing in Nepal is risk free”

“Let's have another cup of tea,” <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/ujwal-thapa-s-light-shines-on-n0tfurod">Ujwal Thapa</a> of the alternative Bibeksheel Nepali party told the young activist Pukar Bam ten years ago. The two had 12 cups of tea that day, discussing ways to get Nepal out of its political deadend. Thapa contested the Constituent Assembly election in 2013 as an independent from Kathmandu, and formed Bibeksheel Nepali to galvanise youth impatient for change, fielding candidates in the first federal election in 2017.&nbsp; Ujwal Thapa was a political guru who was way ahead of his time, and his protégés were among the RSP’s winning candidates in last week’s election. Pukar Bam was a core member of Bibeksheel Nepali until its dissolution, and won the Kathmandu-4 seat this time. Other former Bibeksheel members who won the election from the RSP in Kathmandu include Ranju Neupane from Kathmandu-1, Sasmit Pokharel from Kathmandu-5, and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha in Kathmandu-8. As votes were counted and the results from Kathmandu began to come in, the candidates paid fulsome tribute to Ujwal Thapa’s mentorship and in inspiring idealistic youth to become a part of an alternative political force.&nbsp; Today, as RSP members of Parliament, they are no longer an alternative, but a part of Nepal’s new mainstream politics. Thapa returned to Nepal after finishing his undergraduate computer science degree in the US at the peak of the Maoist insurgency. His foray into politics began when he traveled to Nepal’s western mountains to train communities in mediation. After the war, he started a computer design company for young entrepreneurs entering the workforce. But he became frustrated with the inability of the second Constituent Assembly to promulgate the Constitution, and the power struggle between political parties played out in the streets that led to frequent shutdowns paralysing the country.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260313120348_d18647d53a3b2927328067c35b2e3e6eecf9aefe13f23384e73a2c17211cd9cb.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="20260313120348_d18647d53a3b2927328067c35b2e3e6eecf9aefe13f23384e73a2c17211cd9cb" data-rendition-name="original" width="823" height="682" loading="lazy" alt="The RSP's activist DNA"> <figcaption>Thapa with Pukar Bam, who was elected to Parliament last week from Kathmandu-4. Photo: PUKAR BAM / FACEBOOK</figcaption> </figure>  PROTEST TO POLITICS Ujwal Thapa had had enough, and rallied people from across walks of life, leading peaceful, silent demonstrations proclaiming 'नेपाल खुल्ला छ' against prolonged, violent strikes. Citizens fed up with the main political parties organised to defy the shutdowns. Thapa’s activism and vision for a new Nepal drew disenchanted and previously apathetic youth into politics and to join the Bibeksheel Nepali Party in 2013.&nbsp; Thapa was the pioneer of alternative politics in Nepal, and was leading a youth force long before the GenZ became synonymous with Nepal’s September Storm. He mentored and guided social activists who are today influential youth leaders engaged in non-traditional politics. “Ujwal Thapa, with his entrepreneurial spirit, wanted to address people’s pain-points, and believed that activism was the starting point to alternative politics,” explains <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/opinion/nepal-loses-rare-purpose-driven-leader">Ashutosh Tiwari</a>, former member of Bibeksheel Sajha party. “He sought to build confidence, motivate, and build a community for young people, which drew a lot of people into Bibeksheel.” He adds: “ And while people might say that Bibeksheel never got big, that was never its point. Its function was to be an early talent incubator, which is what it did as evident by the result of this election.” Thapa died in 2021 of complications related to Covid-19, and Bibeksheel had two mergers with Rabindra Mishra’s Sajha Party before being permanently dissolved in 2021. But many of its idealistic members joined Rabi Lamichhane’s RSP, formed just four months before the 2022 federal election. Such was the groundswell of support for change that the RSP became the fourth-largest in Parliament. In 2017, Ranju Neupane (then Ranju Darshana) was the youngest mayoral candidate for Kathmandu at age 21, and contested the federal election in 2022. Pukar Bam himself lost the 2022 election in Kathmandu-1 as an independent.&nbsp;  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260313120348_6302a9b534f57191d9a2cb2c31b31449873c6cc27d375344a248dd90847921dd.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="20260313120348_6302a9b534f57191d9a2cb2c31b31449873c6cc27d375344a248dd90847921dd" data-rendition-name="original" width="1729" height="1365" loading="lazy" alt="The RSP's activist DNA"> <figcaption>Photo: SOCIAL MEDIA</figcaption> </figure>  Sashmit Pokharel also ran an unsuccessful campaign as an independent candidate in Kathmandu during the 2022 provincial election. Later, he was a member of the City Planning Commission under Balendra Shah when he was elected mayor of Kathmandu in 2022.&nbsp; Last week, the RSP swept the election with a supermajority of 182 seats in Parliament. Voters placed their trust in the party and its leaders to steer Nepal in a new direction after the youth unrest in September.&nbsp; In many ways, Nepal’s youth have decided, just as Ujwal Thapa once did, that enough is enough with corruption, malgovernance, nepotism and dynastic politics.&nbsp; In the <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/review/the-man-who-shook-our-minds">documentary</a> about his life, Dimag Ghochne Manche, released earlier this year, some RSP nominees who previously worked with and were mentored by Thapa spoke of the impact he had on their lives, career, and activism. Among them is Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, former minister of Youth and Sports who is now a second time RSP parliamentarian. “I tell everybody that if it hadn’t been for Ujwal Dai, I would not have gotten into politics,” he says in the film.&nbsp; It would be unfair to attribute all the success of the hard-fought campaigns entirely to Ujwal Thapa’s protégés and former coworkers.&nbsp; But his ethos and vision for Nepal was what inspired them, and will in the coming years be reflected in national politics through the young idealists he mentored. Says Ashutosh Tiwari: “There are many Bibeksheels outside of RSP in constant and open communication with their old friends who have been elected. They will be keeping the lawmakers in check so that they do no stray too far from the values that they grew up with.”

RSP’s activist DNA

The series Nepal Made profiles Nepali products and the people who make them possible While premium beauty product outlets were closing during the Covid-19 pandemic, two young women gambled on setting up a new skin and haircare brand with natural ingredients mostly sourced from Nepal and suited for the Nepali complexion. Arushree Sharma Khatiwada and Megha Agarwal were batchmates in school before they left for studies abroad, returning to set up Avani Nepal after year-long rigorous research into ayurveda-based cosmetic products. Avani in Sanskrit means ‘earth’, and as the name suggests it is committed to bringing all natural, pure and authentic range of beauty solutions.&nbsp; “We found a gap in the Nepali market demand for cosmetics, which is why we decided on a brand sourced from all-natural Himalayan herbs that are not used or explored properly,” says co-founder Khatiwada.&nbsp; Nepal is a treasure trove for medicinal plants and those with therapeutic properties. After all, legend has it that Hanuman flew right across the subcontinent from Sri Lanka to the Himalaya to find a rare medicinal plant to save the life of Lord Ram, who was wounded in battle. When he could not find the specific plant, he tore off a whole mountain and brought it down. Read also: <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/multimedia/looking-good-by-doing-good">Looking good by doing good</a>, Sudiksha Tuladhar  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260314120356_32323fd084540236fe4edb3b98286c131d67c73310279c8038510da1e1ae1bc0.jpg" data-media-id="editor_1" data-image-id="20260314120356_32323fd084540236fe4edb3b98286c131d67c73310279c8038510da1e1ae1bc0" data-rendition-name="original" width="3024" height="2012" loading="lazy" alt="Avani"> </figure>  Medicinal plants in Nepal range from yarsagumba to jatamasi and 500 other species traditionally used in the Ayurveda as well as now in the wellness industry. Avani is also trying to experiment hibiscus, Himalayan honey and other plants to eventually launch an export drive. Running a business in Nepal is no easy task, especially for small scale locally crafted products but in a few years, Avani has ammased loyal customer base and have many repeat customers. “While it was tricky initially, we were determined to launch our products with the best quality ingredients and in an affordable price range,” says Khatiwada. Following a worldwide trend and emulating the method used by Korean cosmetic brands, Avani has deployed celebrities and influencers to increase its outreach through tikTok , Facebook and YouTube. &nbsp;Actresses Barsha Shiwakoti and Shilpa Maskey and makeup artists like Lemi have reviewed their products favourably. Sutainability is a big part of the brand, and Avani uses glass bottles, cardboard boxes, paper bags for all its products. Plastic use is cut to a minimum, and where used is recycled.&nbsp; “Many people think that sustainable brands are expensive, we want to bust that myth,” Khatiwada told us. “We focus on being eco-friendly using ethically sourced materials that are paraben, silicon, and cruelty free.”&nbsp; Read also: <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/proud-to-wear-dolpo">Proud to wear DOLPO</a>, Vishad Raj Onta  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260314120356_da0d7d4082a9aa51c96ecbcb8a2e7a5bc60e27de202fb339a522036aa3f50b49.jpg" data-media-id="editor_3" data-image-id="20260314120356_da0d7d4082a9aa51c96ecbcb8a2e7a5bc60e27de202fb339a522036aa3f50b49" data-rendition-name="original" width="1048" height="1280" loading="lazy" alt="Avani"> </figure>  Avani has expanded its business to get a toehold in Nepal’s tourism and wellness industry, and the products are carried by spas in leading hotels and resorts in Kathmandu and Pokhara such as the Terraces, Marriott, and Kavya resort, and is in talk with the Hideaway Resort in Pokhara.&nbsp; The skin and haircare brand that initially started with 10 products has since expanded its line to 60 with goods placed in more than 100 stores across Kathmandu. Plans are in the works to expand to India, China and in Japan partnering with Okada. Avani Nepal’s founders say that they support empowerment through employment and training opportunities for women at the company. Khatiwada herself has been engaged with organisations such as Nepal Women Chamber of Commerce, and Nepal Youth Entrepreneur Forum. Additional support from the government such as the provision of lower excise duties has helped but guidance for export and other business regulations is as crucial. Such an environment would also foster opportunities for the youth who are otherwise moving away for jobs or study abroad. “While everyone is trying to go abroad, opportunities can be created here in Nepal itself, with adequate support from the government,” says Khatiwada. “In the meantime, we are eyeing for long term benefits. We are trying to create a legacy for cosmetic brands in Nepal.” Read also: <a href="https://nepalitimes.com/here-now/java-in-the-himalaya-y1ilc21h">Java in the Himalaya</a>, Vishad Raj Onta

Redefining the criteria for beauty

&nbsp;With a near two-thirds majority, the RSP has a chance that no other party in Nepal has ever had--to reboot how Nepal is run. Winning an election with such an overwhelming majority was one thing, but running an effficient government will be a whole new ball game. From the start, it will not be easy because the country is running straight into a major economic crisis due to the West Asia war.&nbsp; With 125 first-past-the-post direct wins and 57 proportional representation seats — over 47% of the total 10.7 million valid votes — the RSP has 182 seats in Parliament. The Nepali Congress (NC) is a distant second with 38 seats, while the UML is trailing with 25. Three more made it to the national party list: Nepali Communist Party (17), the royalist RPP (5) and the new entry Shram Sanskriti Party (7) led by former Dharan mayor Harka Sampang. Shram Sanskriti’s performance is also a clear indicator that identity politics is still a potent force. The RSP with its majority can now form a stable government for the next five years, but there are issues that may surface with the choice of Cabinet members and other appointments. PM candidate Balendra Shah and party chair Rabi Lamichhane both have big egos and are ambitious, and Nepal cannot afford rumours of a split be a self-fulfilling prophecy. There is precedent. The last two-thirds government under the Communist Party of Nepal formed after the alliance of UML and Maoist Centre in 2022 collapsed following a power struggle between two cop comrades K P Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. History in Nepal has a habit of repeating itself. No elected government in Nepal has ever completed a full five-year term, so the RSP has a chance to rewrite history. Besides egos and the West Asia crisis, the party has other challenges: legacy parties rule local governments and the National Assembly. The RSP’s rejection of provincial elections and federalism in 2022 did not seem to have affected its votes in the Madhes, but local governments at the periphery will be trying their level best to make it difficult for the centre. The RSP’s strategy should be not to alienate the old parties, but try to win them over and collaborate to build bases outside of major urban centres.&nbsp; Some think Balendra Shah’s aloof and uncommunicative nature could hide an authoritarian streak. And Rabi Lamichhane has been scathing about media exposes of his alleged wrongdoings. Despite this, the RSP's strategy should be to avoid alienating civil society any more than necessary.&nbsp; The media’s role in a democracy is to play the adversarial check-and-balance role, especially when one party is so dominant. However, the press must give up its corrosive, cynical coverage that almost hopes the RSP will fail from day one -- especially since social media offers no help on that score. There are so many things wrong with Nepal that even at the best of times, and even with a supermajority government, it would be impossible to solve them all overnight. But voters are an impatient lot, and they expect a lot pronto.  <figure> <img src="https://publisher-publish.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/pb-nepalitimes/swp/asv65r/media/20260313080320_388d87c728fce65393a7042b4e649fe73af559b3459c45d8aff7f320acbd62dd.jpg" data-media-id="editor_0" data-image-id="20260313080320_388d87c728fce65393a7042b4e649fe73af559b3459c45d8aff7f320acbd62dd" data-rendition-name="original" width="1500" height="1033" loading="lazy" alt="Page 1 map"> </figure>  Effective governance takes time, and the RSP must be given the chance even if it fails to make course-corrections. Shah and Lamichhane, on the other hand, must show restraint and prove their critics wrong. Instead of posting inflammatory content on their social media feeds and deploying cyber militias to troll critics into silence, they could try developing a thicker skin. The RSP could work on a clear strategy and plan of action to get this country back on its feet. The party's rise was built on emotion, not ideology. But every party needs ideals, just saying it is against corruption is not enough. Its stance on federalism, secularism, inclusion, need to be clarified. The RSP's lofty promise to bring young Nepalis home will be easier said than done. What will they return to? How can we make this worthwhile? And how do we provide jobs for the other 500,000 Nepali youth who enter the job market every year?&nbsp; Nepal will need liberal policies regarding domestic investment and FDI to reform manufacturing, industry, tourism and infrastructure to ensure jobs at home, while also working toward achieving the 7% annual growth rate projected by the RSP.&nbsp; Rabi Lamichhane has introduced the term 'development diplomacy’ to steer the country away from traditional geopolitics toward economic partnerships with India, China, and other international partners. But the environmental cost of mega projects must also be taken into account in the rush to development.&nbsp; The RSP’s anti-corruption drive, implementing a high-level commission to investigate assets acquired since 1990, must also include judicial reform. Meanwhile, quality health services and education must be affordable and accessible.&nbsp; Cleaning up the bureaucracy will be critical. Electoral reform including election spending and out-of-country voting must be a priority from the get go. It is a long to-do list. But for the very first time, the Nepali people are genuinely excited about their new leaders and the promised transformation. Not another Switzerland or Singapore, people just want better development, more efficient service delivery, meaningful jobs at home and an accountable government.&nbsp; That should not be too much to ask. Sonia Awale

As clear as a bell

The Asian Development Bank approved a $40M soft loan for Nepal’s Digital Transformation Project. The project aims to develop a citizen service portal, improve the national social registry, establish a government-wide data exchange platform, digitise 11 high-impact government services, and strengthen cybersecurity. The World Bank had previously approved a $50M loan for the same project.&nbsp;

governanc-e

“Investing in Nepal is risk free”

RSP’s activist DNA

Redefining the criteria for beauty

As clear as a bell

ADB $40M Loan