Kathmandu: Experts at the fifth Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA) global conference invited the NRNs to invest in various sectors like hydropower, real estate in Nepal.

Speaking during the programme, president of Independent Power Producers’ Association, Nepal Subarna Shrestha, opined that the only alternative investment in Nepal is Hydropower. “Nepal is a destination for foreign direct investment in hydropower sector,” Shrestha said, adding that the government should aim high to increase our hydropower capacity. “The government has issued license to study for some hydro projects,” he said, adding that there is, however, a need of production.

“Though the government has taken initiatives to allow 100 megawatt project for the NRNs’, the terms and conditions are still not clear.”

Similarly, executive member of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) Om Rajbhandari focused on Urban Scenario and Investment opportunities in Nepal. “Urbanisation is unmanaged and lacks proper infrastructure,” Rajbhandari said, adding that Nepal need proper infrastructure, as the annual population growth rate of Kathmandu only stands around six per cent that asks for a proper housing and town planning system.

According to him, real estate can be great investment sector in the country, as it is one of the safest investments. “There is a need of proper marketing planning, government policy, construction technology and physical infrastructure,” he said, adding that NRNs can introduce the concept of Real Estate Agents, Valuation and mortgaging concepts which are yet not available in our country.

NRNs can also bring the concept of quality housing and town planning to upgrade quality of living through the use of housing concepts from abroad.

source: The Himalayan Times, 13 Oct 2011