KATHMANDU:- Minister for Finance Dr Swarnim Wagle asserted that the government has prioritised the energy sector as a driver of the country’s economy.

Acknowledging the growing contribution of the energy sector to the national economy, Minister Dr. Wagle reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing the sector with a special priority.

The Minister articulated the government’s priority to the delegations of the Independent Power Producers’ Association of Nepal (IPPAN) and Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) on Sunday.

During the meetings, the delegations had submitted a host of recommendations for the fiscal year 2083/84 BS budget and policy framework. Presenting the 53-point recommendations, IPPAN President Ganesh Karki called on the government to adopt investment-friendly policies to accelerate the development of the energy sector.

Karki expressed the readiness of the private sector to contribute towards achieving the government’s ambitious target of generating 30,000 megawatts of electricity within the next 10 years. He also highlighted the need for the government to consider reopening the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for hydropower projects.

He also urged the government to incorporate the private sector in electricity trading and development of transmission lines so as to boost the country’s hydropower development and energy exports.