Shesh Ghale, an Australia-based Non-Resident Nepali, was elected the third president of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). Ghale defeated his nearest rival Tenzi Sherpa and spoke to the media people after his victory.

There is a growing rumor that you received the backing of political parties in your election, how do you look at the results?

First of all, I want to make it clear that I have not been branded as being with a particular political party. As a president of NRNA, I will need the support from all political parties. I want to make you clear that the election results have nothing to do with politics.

What is reason behind your victory then?

I travelled 24-25 countries and met non-resident Nepalis there. I tried to understand their problems and difficulties.  After meeting many NRNs, my level of confidence had gone up. I want to give the victory of my credit to the NRNs who voted me.

What will be your priority after the election?

My first priority will be preparing an action plan based on my commitments in my election manifesto. The plan will have short-term, mid-term and long-term plans to bring investment in Nepal in potential areas. An individual can hardly make any difference.  I cannot do anything without a team.  I am considering visiting many countries to seek the advice.

Do you have any plan to open office in Nepal?

After formal registration in Nepal, we now need our office here. As a legal entity, it will be easier for us now to have our own building and our own office. As NRNA is now formally registered, it will help us to enhance financial activities.

How about the possibility to bring more investment in Nepal?

As NRN has already invested Rs.30 billion in Nepal in the last 10 years, we want to make more investment in the coming days. Along with the capital investment, NRN can also help Nepal through their knowledge and skill transfer.

It is accused that NRNs spent their time just talking and talking. What plan do you have to change the prevailing attitude in Nepal?

To attract foreign investment from any side, what is needed is investment-friendly policies and environment. It is unfortunate that there are still many hurdles in Nepal for investors. If Nepal needs foreign investment, it needs to make all the acts, policies and regulations investment friendly. Once again my efforts will be to persuade the concerned authorities to change the present legal and policy hurdles.