Nagarkot: President Ramchandra Paudel emphasized the importance of strengthening the federal democratic republic by improving the country’s economy at the inauguration of ‘Nagarkot Visit Year 2082’ held at Batase Danda in Nagarkot. President Paudel highlighted the collective responsibility to fulfill the people’s aspirations for rapid development.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the President identified tourism, agriculture, water resources, information technology, and industry as fundamental to the nation’s economic growth. He urged the State to formulate suitable policies and laws to create opportunities by addressing existing issues in these sectors. The President also emphasized the need for industrialization by fostering an employment-friendly and investment-friendly environment while reducing production costs.
President Paudel underscored the potential of transforming cultural, historical, and religious heritages into economic assets through infrastructure development. He noted that the tourism sector has immense potential to drive income generation and prosperity by promoting the uniqueness, natural beauty, culture, and civilization of Nepal globally. Nagarkot’s proximity to Kathmandu Valley and its natural allure make it a prime tourist attraction.
The President called for collaboration among the federation, province, and local municipalities to further develop and modernize the area. He mentioned that Nagarkot is a favored destination for both domestic and international tourists due to its scenic mountain views and sunrise and sunset vistas.
President Paudel commended the efforts of the four municipalities in promoting their heritage and historical sites, with Nagarkot as a focal point. He stressed the necessity of expanding tourism infrastructure and improving road networks to facilitate easy movement in the area.
On the auspicious occasion of the Nepali New Year, President Paudel expressed his hopes for it to inspire collective efforts towards nation-building, peace, sustainable development, an inclusive society, economic prosperity, and a strengthened federal democratic republic.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, also addressed the event, highlighting the significance of Nagarkot’s historical and tourist sites. He mentioned plans for developing tourism in Dhulikhel, Panauti, Namobuddha, Shivpuri, and Chandragiri, alongside the four associated municipalities. The tourism sector, recovering from the impacts of the earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, is witnessing gradual improvements, with the government focusing on fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and investment.
Gokul Banskota, a member of the House of Representatives and former minister, remarked on Nagarkot’s potential for ‘sky tourism’ and water tourism in Kavre, beyond its renowned Himalayan views. Bimal Thakuri, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Bagmati Province, expressed optimism that the visit would serve as a milestone for attracting tourists to Nagarkot.
Mayors from Changunarayan, Mandan Deupur, Banepa, and Shankharapur municipalities were confident that the joint initiative would spur economic development in the area. Changunarayan Municipality Mayor Jeevan Khatri suggested that Nagarkot should be declared a tourist hub, while Mandan Deupur Municipality Mayor Tok Bahadur Waiba and Banepa Municipality Mayor Shantiratna Shakya echoed similar sentiments about the visit’s potential economic benefits.