PM Karki urges private sector to rebuild, vows full govt support

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called on the private sector to rise with resilience from recent challenges, pledging the government’s full support during this difficult time.

During an interaction with private sector representatives at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar today, PM Karki acknowledged the extensive damage suffered by businesses and industries during the recent Gen Z demonstrations, stressing that the crisis was a shared challenge for both the state and the private sector.

“This devastation is not just a blow to the private sector—it is a challenge for the state as well,” she said. “The private sector has been providing jobs, and attacks on it are truly unfortunate.”

Reaffirming her commitment to the rule of law, Karki urged business leaders not to lose hope. “Do not despair. The government stands with you. Even in times of ruin, the willingness of the private sector to extend cooperation is a positive sign,” she noted.

She further assured that the government would act strictly within its legal mandate and initiate relief measures for damaged industries and enterprises. “We will not step beyond the law, but within our authority we will take steps to provide concessions,” she said, adding that the private sector must also play a role in boosting the morale of security forces.

On economic recovery, Karki hinted at potential import restrictions and tax adjustments to encourage domestic production but clarified that no immediate tax hikes would be imposed. “This is not the time to tighten taxes. We will focus on assessing damages and providing relief instead,” she emphasized.

Highlighting the government’s key priorities, the Prime Minister underlined elections as the foremost agenda, along with combating corruption and ensuring good governance.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal informed the gathering that a recovery package, incorporating suggestions from the private sector, was already under preparation and would soon be tabled in the Cabinet. He stressed the need for coordinated fiscal and monetary policies to bring practical and implementable solutions. “Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures,” he said, urging the private sector to fulfill its responsibilities alongside the government.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal declared normalization of the current abnormal situation as his ministry’s top priority. He assured that law enforcement agencies had been directed to maintain balance and prevent further unrest. “We cannot afford missteps during this sensitive period. A judicial inquiry commission will be formed to investigate incidents of arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests,” he announced.

Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal echoed the call for collective action, stressing that years of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the earthquake, and the blockade had already strained the economy. He urged every ministry to take measures that would encourage and support the private sector, hinting at upcoming decisions on customs relief, concessional loans, and extended repayment periods.

The government leaders collectively expressed their determination to restore confidence, rebuild the economy, strengthen good governance, and ensure free and fair elections in the months ahead.