Banking News – Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Chairman of IME Group Chandraprasad Dhakal has said that promoting religious tourism and developing infrastructure at the local level can create employment opportunities within communities and reduce the compulsion for Nepalis to seek foreign employment.

Dhakal made the remarks while addressing the ‘Historical Harelo Festival 2083’ held at the premises of the historic Bhairavsthan Temple in Baglung as the chief guest.

Highlighting the historical and religious significance of Bhairavsthan dating back to the Baise-Chaubise period, Dhakal said the area has significant potential for tourism, agricultural products and employment generation and should be promoted at both national and international levels.

Referring to the significant rise in the number of Indian and international tourists visiting Muktinath following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Muktinath, he said, “If even a small percentage of tourists visiting Muktinath can be attracted to tourist destinations such as Bhairavsthan in Baglung, the region’s economic development could take a major leap forward.”

He emphasized the need to expand quality hotels, resorts and homestays and other infrastructure to encourage tourists to stay in the area for at least one night. He also said that local support for the construction of cable cars and other tourism infrastructure could produce positive results within a short period.

Dhakal also said that, in line with the decision of the FNCCI’s Dhorpatan meeting to mobilize domestic capital for major projects and productive sectors within Nepal, a Rs. 10 billion investment company named Nepal Development Public Limited has been established. He said the company has already started working to bring investment into the tourism, hydropower, manufacturing and technology sectors.

Baglung Municipality Mayor Basant Shrestha, Bhairavsthan Temple Management Committee Chairman Gyanendra Dhakal, elected representatives, security officials and a large number of local residents were present at the event.