Kathmandu— Representatives of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) concluded their 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Guangzhou, China on Sunday with calls for simplified legal procedures and greater investment security in Nepal. Members from across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as those residing in the United States and Europe, expressed a strong desire to invest in their home country but highlighted cumbersome bureaucratic processes and concerns about protecting their investments as major deterrents. The NRNA also reiterated its long-standing demand for continued citizenship rights by descent for Nepalis living abroad.

Investment Climate Concerns

Former NRNA president Binod Kunwar, a businessman based in South Korea, criticized Nepal’s tendency to prioritize discussion over action, noting that lengthy legal procedures and delays discourage potential investors. “I am investing equally in Nepal and South Korea,” he said. “My experience is that there is too much talk and too little work in Nepal.” Other former presidents echoed these concerns, with Dr. Upendra Mahato stating that every Nepali abroad wonders how they can contribute to the country’s development but feels hampered by existing obstacles.

Calls for Legal Reform

Dr. Mahato emphasized that while NRNA investment alone won't guarantee prosperity, it is essential and requires a supportive legal environment. He urged the government to understand this reality and implement investor-friendly laws without delay. Arun Kumar Subedi, an investment researcher, argued that current systems prioritize obstructing investors rather than facilitating their efforts, hindering potential contributions. The NRNA also called for an umbrella law addressing the needs of non-resident Nepalis, encompassing issues like citizenship, voting rights, and the status of people of Nepali origin.

Infrastructure and Cooperation

Nirmal Sharma Chaulagain, a former NRNA China president, highlighted inadequate infrastructure as a significant barrier to cooperation between Nepal and China. He noted that goods can only be transported through northern border points for about six months each year, leading to substantial losses for industrialists due to delays. Rohit Agrawal, also a former NRNA China president, stressed the need for legal guarantees linked to profitability for any investment, citing complications and prolonged problems as ongoing concerns.

Government Response

Acting Nepali Ambassador to China, Roshan Khanal, pledged embassy support for identifying potential investment areas, noting that 61 percent of successful Nepali businesspeople in China have expressed a desire to return home. Several members of Nepal’s parliament voiced willingness to address the NRNA's concerns. Bhishmaraj Angdembe, parliamentary party leader of the Nepali Congress, called for integrating the diaspora as partners in development, while Ain Mahar, chief whip of the CPN-UML, expressed optimism about providing dignified Nepali identities. Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Manish Jha indicated that the government is preparing to address NRNA demands, including citizenship, and has been discussing the issue with relevant ministers.

The NRNA continues to advocate for a more welcoming environment for investment and a streamlined process for maintaining ties with Nepal for its members living abroad, hoping these changes will unlock the potential of the diaspora’s resources and expertise.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.