Kathmandu- Hotel entrepreneurs, importers, and exporters have expressed enthusiasm over the government’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83. Although the budget does not address all their concerns, stakeholders have appreciated the inclusion of several key demands and are now urging the government to focus on proper implementation.
President of the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN), Binayak Shah, said hotel entrepreneurs are pleased with the budget announcements. “The government has addressed our long-awaited demands, from road maintenance to the operation of international airports. This has boosted the confidence of hotel entrepreneurs,” he said. To meet the growing capacity of hotels, Shah stressed the need to increase tourist arrivals, which he said can be achieved by ensuring the operation of Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports along with improvements in road infrastructure.
He also highlighted the government’s focus on developing infrastructure in religious, cultural, and tourism destinations as a positive move. Entrepreneurs are especially encouraged by the government’s plans to promote jungle safaris, trekking routes, and eco-tourism infrastructure in national parks, reserves, and protected areas. Additionally, the proposal to lease forest areas and government-owned land for the construction of hill stations, hotels, lodges, and related infrastructure has been warmly welcomed by the tourism sector.
Importers and exporters have also responded positively to the budget. Jayant Kumar Agrawal, General Secretary of the Nepal Overseas Export Import Association, said the budget introduces several promising provisions. He pointed out that allowing Nepali entrepreneurs to invest abroad, reducing land rent in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and offering SEZ-level facilities to industries exporting over 30% of their products are all steps in the right direction. He also praised the government’s support for electric vehicle policies and the decision to facilitate foreign tourists entering Nepal with more than USD 5,000, provided they declare it at customs. According to Agrawal, such measures can contribute to revitalizing the country’s economy.