Far west investment potential highlighted in Dhangadhi, calls for enabling environment
Dhangadhi: The government has emphasized that the Far West province holds significant potential and that creating an enabling environment for investment is essential. During the second day of the ‘Sudurpaschim Kachahari-2083’ program underway in Dhangadhi, participants stressed that the provincial government must take the lead in attracting investment, noting that economic prosperity in the region is achievable only through collective efforts.
Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, stated that despite the region’s strong prospects in tourism, agriculture, heritage, and other sectors, it has been largely neglected in terms of investment.
“The Far West is a region with immense potential,” he said. “There are significant opportunities in tourism and herbal sectors. Recognizing this, preparations have been finalized to launch the largest cable car project to date in Chisapani.”
President of the Federation of Nepalese Industries, Birendra Raj Pandey, noted that private sector investment depends on government policies and expected returns. “There is considerable potential in the Far West,” he said, adding that government-level incentives are necessary to attract investors. “Even when potential exists, failure to demonstrate it effectively creates challenges in drawing investment.”
Nrip Bahadur Sunar, a member of the Sudurpaschim Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, highlighted that the province has strong prospects across tourism, agriculture, heritage, and natural resources, and emphasized the need to incorporate these strengths into policies, programs, and budgets.
The ‘Sudurpaschim Kachahari’ is being organized in Dhangadhi by the Sudurpaschim Bikas Foundation. In the first session of the day, discussions focused on regional development, long-term agendas, and policymaking under the theme ‘Special Dialogue with Provincial Assembly Members.’
Participants pointed out that the Far West has lagged behind expected development due to a lack of effective political leadership. Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Far-West parliamentary party leader Khagaraj Bhatta, Social Development Committee Chairman Dharmaraj Pathak, and Nepali Congress MP Raksha Mahara emphasized that coordination and collaboration among all three levels of government are essential for the region’s development and prosperity.
On the first day of the program, speakers had similarly underscored the need for cooperation among federal, provincial, and local governments, along with active participation from the private sector and international investors.
Chief Secretary of the Provincial Government Baikuntha Aryal stressed the importance of coordination among all levels of government in implementing development projects. Vice Chairman of the Provincial Policy and Planning Commission, Dr. Jeevan Rana, suggested that Ramaroshan, Khaptad, and Badimalika could be developed as a unified tourism circuit.
National Planning Commission member Arjun Jung Thapa informed that a detailed project report is being prepared to upgrade the Gaddachauki–Attariya–Chisapani road section into a four-lane roadway.