That’s the title of my latest op-ed published in Republica, the print version of www.myrepublica.com. I am not satisfied with the content and analysis done by the policymakers for the Nepal Development Strategy Paper (NDSP). I discuss seven points that would potentially help Nepal attain a modest growth rate and would like them to be addressed in the final NDSP before it is presented to the donor community on May 15 this year.
First, given the geographical disadvantage, domestic policies should be synchronized with India’s and China’s economic policies in order to maximize neighborhood growth spillovers. Statistical evidence shows that the faster neighbors grow, the faster the landlocked country will grow. …
Second, rather than exclusively focusing on markets in the EU and the US, policies should be designed to maximize trading with our neighbors, India and China—the two emerging giants in the global economy. Tapping the untapped markets along the bordering states, where the transportation costs are low, by producing goods and services that are within the reach of the people residing there would be a fruitful exercise. …
Third, design policies to entice FDI in transport infrastructure and large- and small-scale hydropower projects. The government could substantially ease regulatory structure, ensure security of returns to investment and consistency of hydropower policy, resolve labor disputes, build grids to enhance connectivity and share risks with the private sector, among others. …
Fourth, to give the struggling industrial sector a breathing space so that they can compete in price and quality in the international market, the government should implement the provisions outlined in Investment Board and SEZ ordinances, which were recently passed by the cabinet. …
Fifth, the government should facilitate foreign investment in the tourism sector. Increasing visibility in the international tourism market, easing of visa restrictions, ensuring security, and, most importantly, improving tourism infrastructure such as road transport, airways, and ICT would help a lot. …
Sixth, the government should also facilitate foreign employment and inflow of remittances. Not much needs to be said about the role of remittances, which already account for almost 20 percent of GDP.
Seventh, the policymakers should not forget that the high population growth rate is also constraining increase in GDP per capita. Either jobs creation in the industrial sector should be rapid enough to outpace the rate at which youths are entering the job market or the government should initiate measures to lower population growth rate.
Read the full op-ed for full discussion on these seven points.
