A dialogue on what Nepal owes the people who left
Summary
A dialogue convened by the Ujwal Thapa Foundation discussed legal and constitutional reforms needed to encourage Nepal's diaspora to invest and return, highlighting challenges in current laws that hinder economic growth and civic participation.
Key Points
- Nepal aims to reach a $100 billion GDP by 2030-35 but needs annual growth of around 14 percent, far above the current 3 percent.
- Remittances make up nearly 27 percent of Nepal's GDP, but they do not equate to investment.
- NRNs face the same legal restrictions as foreign nationals, hindering their ability to invest and contribute professionally in Nepal.
- Constitutional amendments, including changes to Article 14, are necessary to grant NRNs rights and incentives to engage more fully with Nepal.
