Private sector demands Government to declare state of National Emergency

Kathmandu November 25- The business community has demanded the government declare a state of national emergency to deal with the ongoing economic crisis. They also asked the government to enforce force majeure and involve the private sector in supply of daily essentials, including medicines.

A joint delegation of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Nepalese Industries and Nepal Chamber of Commerce met Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel on Tuesday and provided him with suggestions to bail the country out of the current crisis.

They suggested the government waive off VAT and other surcharges on the imports of petroleum products, and exempt detention and demurrage charges on imported goods, warehouse rent and parking charges.

The private sector representatives also requested the government to validate the invoice price and exclude airfare cost while evaluating customs charges of goods imported by air. The delegation demanded the government immediately pass the Bill on Financial Act that has been tabled at
the Legislature Parliament as a midway solution to address the grievances of the business community.

Other suggestions included reforming the decision-making process, prompting recruitment to fill vacant seats and fast-tracking development projects. The delegation also urged the government to resolve the ongoing Tarai protest by holding talks with the agitating Madhes-based parties through a high-level diplomatic initiative. Source; TKP