NC’s Ghimire: Nepal Must Cut Foreign Aid Dependency
Speaking in Parliament, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire urged Nepal to reduce dependency on foreign aid, invest wisely, and focus on untapped opportunities.
Kathmandu – Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire said Nepal must reduce its reliance on foreign aid. He explained that the global landscape is changing, with donor nations prioritizing their own citizens’ welfare.
Speaking in the sixth Federal Parliament, Ghimire noted that excessive expectations of grants and assistance are no longer practical.
“In today’s world, the belief is growing that taxes collected from a country’s citizens should be used for their own welfare. So, expecting too much foreign aid is no longer practical for us,” he remarked.
Fiscal Health and Debt Concerns
Ghimire addressed Nepal’s fiscal situation and said the debt-to-GDP ratio of 40 to 42 percent is not yet alarming. However, he stressed that the real issue lies in how the borrowed funds are used. He argued that loans must go into high-return projects that create sustainable growth.
Untapped Opportunities in the Region
Calling Nepal a country of great potential, Ghimire urged the government to leverage internal strengths and boost regional cooperation. He emphasized that Nepal has yet to fully benefit from its two neighbors, India and China.
“There are vast opportunities in agriculture, industry, and hydropower. Similarly, we can tap into these massive populations for tourism,” he said.
Call for Investment and Transformation
Ghimire urged the government to attract large-scale international investment. According to him, transformative projects can strengthen the economy and rebuild public confidence. This, he said, will counter the negative perception that nothing is happening in Nepal.
Rejecting the claim that only the political system has changed, Ghimire argued that visible progress has already taken place. “That statement is misleading—tangible signs of change are clearly visible. We must now work toward further progress.”
Focus on Self-Reliance
His comments reflect growing calls for Nepal to reduce foreign aid dependency. Instead, the focus should shift toward domestic resources, foreign investment, and regional opportunities to ensure long-term economic resilience.
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