KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has asserted that the government has been working to create a favourable environment for investment.

Inaugurating the 47th annual general assembly of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) on Sunday, DPM Paudel opined that activities to boost confidence of the private sector and create an investment-friendly environment in the country were underway.

He shared that the government is committed to promoting tourism and enhancing the national economy, adding that there is positive change in all indicators of the economy, which were negative when the UML-led government was formed.

The Finance Minister clarified that the government is not in a position to grant VAT exemption, stating, “It has been difficult to sustain general expenses from revenue. Bring plans and programmes for business promotion rather than VAT exemption. The government is ready to facilitate.”

Mentioning that the government has moved ahead in the path of economic stability by ensuring political stability, DPM Paudel argued, “The incumbent government is strong and stable. It will continue till the 2084 BS elections, which will give policy-level stability. We have also paid attention to the implementation of policies, programmes and budget brought by the incumbent government.”

Similarly, TAAN President Sagar Pandey underlined that the government should pay attention to policy-level reform and infrastructure development to create an environment conducive for entrepreneurs.

On the occasion, Different organisations and media persons were honoured for their contribution to mountain tourism development.