Why Nepal will be a Prosperous Nation, Again!

I have a question for you: "How will you describe Nepal? "

The usual answer is something like: 

"Nepal is one of the most underdeveloped countries of the world, a landlocked country in one of the poorest regions of the world. Problems like unstable politics, rapid population growth are further hindering its progress."

Nepal 10 Years From Today!

Now what if we asked someone to answer the same question at a time 10 years from now? Hypothetical it is. But the answer this time would be entirely different.



Something like this:

Nepal is a medium-sized country in the most prosperous region on the globe,with a large educated human resource teeming with expertise on technology and services, where prosperity is generated by a stable government and entrepreneurs tapping into its abundant natural wealth and sociocultural heritage.

We take a look at how the new answer will hold true 10 years from now. 

 

1: Nepal will be a Land-linked Country.

What our schools have taught us is that Nepal is land-locked. It has been historically described metaphorically as a yam between two boulders and the same understanding has long been held in the financial sector as well.

Seen from the  economic perspective of the future however, Nepal can serve as a 'vibrant bridge' between the two of the world's largest economies viz China and India. With the tremendous increase in the volume of bilateral trade between them, Nepal can re-establish itself as an entrepot linking the two major trading giants. The Netherlands, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and recently Dubai have during the various phases benefited from being at strategic locations on the shipping or air routes. 

Nepal surely does have the potential (and history, as it used to be before the 18th century) of reaping advantages of such a trade. For this investment in strategic transport infrastructures is the key.

2: Nepal's Human Resource will be its advantage.

Although the concern of disadvantages due to population growth in an underdeveloped society is logically correct, the inferences should also be brought with an analysis of the context.

With rising education and technological advances, Nepal's 15 million under 40 years of age will be its greatest asset. There will be entrepreneurs who will create jobs and help the economy. The population will provide the crucial manpower needed for the operation of the companies/industries at various levels depending upon their level of technical and managerial expertise. The Nepalese have already proven themselves in fields of Information Technology and Science. They have worked as top class executives in firms and as the Nepalese have helped build Hong Kong and are now building mega-cities in the Gulf.

Besides the obvious advantage, millions in the middle class will also provide for the crucial stable domestic consumption that shall cushion the enterprises against a fluctuating world economy.

3: Nepal will have a stable government.

Nepal's governments have been vulnerable for long now. Talks of the fall start even before a government is formed. It is difficult to imagine stable government when you realize that this land has witnessed 3 kings and 21 prime ministers in 24 years since democracy in 1990.

But with the drafting of the constitution, this issue will be addressed. The Nepalese will choose either a President or a Prime Minister(more likely) who will head the government for a full term for the first time in our country's democratic history very soon.

4: Nepal will Invest

In Energy

The country will invest in Hydro-power. The State, its citizens: all of them. No second thoughts. 

After major hydroelectric projects are complete, Nepal will be self-reliant on Energy. It will export a significant proportion of the surplus to emerging markets of South Asia further increasing national treasury. Stable energy supply will further propel industrialization.

In Tourism

Tourism sector will see a major spike in investment as Brand "Nepal" will find significant place in  advertorial displays or broadcasts all over the globe.

The prospects of tourism, for Nepal, are immense. Snow-clad mountains and exotic challenging landscape in the north of the country and the sub-tropical paradises at Chitawan, Bardiya, Koshi Tappu and Suklaphanta will continue to attract nature lovers, researchers and adventure seekers in greater numbers from around the globe. The rich heritage of Malla and Newari culture in the Kathmandu valley, that of Mithila culture in Janakpur, and the artistic Kakrebihar in  Surkhet will lure social scientists and enthusiasts of traditional art and culture. Indian middle class will flock into the pilgrimages of Janaki Mandir, Baraha Kshetra, Pashupatinath and Muktinath while tourists from China and East Asian Tiger nations will pay visits to Swayambhunath and Lumbini.

5: Nepal will have a strong Entrepreneurial Culture.

Modern Agriculture will make our villages wealthier.

Nepalese will make increasing higher and wiser investments in agriculture based industries to make fortunes. Farmers will enjoy considerably better standard of lives thanks to improved semi-mechanized agricultural practices. Returning migrant workers will be involved in a lot of new profitable agricultural ventures closer to home. People in the communities will be more united and empowered by cooperative agricultural practices. 

Our village homes will cater to the needs of a nearby trekking route or a pilgrimage.

Small and Medium start-ups will explode the market, wobble around for a little while and from them internationally competitive companies will emerge.

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First Image Curtsey: http://www.nepalifonts.blogspot.com; Typographer/Author Ananda K. Maharjan