Nepal has the Potential to Develop Faster

Nepal, the Himalayan country, has vast potential to develop much faster than it is doing now. The governance and public sector managment of the country is weak; and if toned up and strengthened,it will have salutery results. The bureaucrats are intelligent; yet not given due importance in the system.

Over the years, the influncial political bosses have insubordinated them and their decision making abilities are seldom used. The public servants also haven't tried to walk the 'extra mile' to rejuvenate their position and role. The nascent Parliamentary systems are yet to become efficvient; and handling the affairs of the legislative busniess is still in the growing phase. In tandem with other reforms, the civil service reforms may be crucial landmark for the country.

Nonetheless, the country has natural resources, scenic beauty, excellent tourist destinations, three weather zone terrains (plain,hills; and mountains); and certain gifted advantageous positions. Propoer utilization of forest and water resources will bring enough riches and comfort levels.

The cultural side of Nepal is unparallelled! There is every type of tourism (and many more potentials)activity in Nepal. The people are tourism friendly and warm to the visitors. The ever smiling people compell you to keep smiling in all circumstances. The women (though not very well treated in general)are very hardworking and are the nucleous of the family customs, traditions and life. The family system and bondings are strong; yet they have modernised the attitudes with the times.

Promoting tourism by seeking investments from the Public Private Partnerships, BOOT, and foreign investment will open the windows of affluence for the local population. It will also control and may be reverse the migration patterns from the mountains; like it did in the several Alpine countries of Europe.

Promotion of domestic and SAARC tourism will open floodgates of opportunites for the local population. Nepal can host at least 100 million tourists from India and SAARC countires alone (as against the one million foreign tourists targetted in the Nepal Tourism Year 2011)in times to come. This requires peace, law and order; promotions; and tourism developed in packages.

In spite of all the negative publicity around the World, Nepal has not much of law and order and peace problems. Political parties too have declared a self-imposed ban on the general strikes in the country for one year. It speaks volumes about the collective desire of the political leadership for the common goals. The 'consensus leadership' that is being talked about (in the absence of majority) and discussed at all political and social levels will provide the vital stability to the country in the budding stage of democracy. In genral people of Nepal live in harmony and will continue to do so; in my opinion.

The times are hard now; and require a contribution by one and all, to help develop Nepal into a great tourist destination and toruism friendly country. The present generation will have to promote the balanced growth and development of all the the regions and districts. National goals need to be pursued; even at the expense of their personal hardships and losses. The crucial sectors (apart from social sectors) to look at will be the tourism, energy and infrastructure, transport, agriculture and agro-based industries, knowledge based organisations, Aryurvda and herbal medicines.

The outllok in medium to long-term is bright; but the management and maintenance of the country, people and national resources will be the challenge to meet the goal. I thouroughly enjoy being in Nepal (coming from the childhood backgound of lviving in the across the borders in the West, I hav no problem of language, culture, food, music and so on..they all are so similar) everyday and trying to do my bit in whatever way I can.