Nepal And Globalisation
Madhavji Shrestha
The globalisation process in its dodging way is rising on a larger scale each passing year. It is happening so because human needs worldwide remain at the core of its development. Meanwhile, it is also coupled with human inquisitiveness and mobility that have invariably added both speed and momentum in propelling it forward. The process will continue to move onward until some catastrophe of a greater politico-economic dimension puts the brakes over it.
Labour export
Undeniably, the trend has bestowed unprecedented benefits to some of the developing countries, especially huge countries like India and China in recent years. But countries like Nepal are hardly touched by the growing waves of globalisation across various continents. It is true that the ongoing globalisation process too has benefited Nepal in one particular area, i.e., labour export, be it unskilled or semi-skilled.
A recent report of Nepal Rastra Bank tells us that in 2005/6, remittances by Nepali workers in various parts of the world, especially in the Middle East and South East Asia contributed 16.8 per cent to Nepal�s GDP. This figure is the amount received through official channels only. If remittances received through unofficial channels are taken into account, the total contribution will rise to around 25 per cent of GDP. This indicates how Nepal is highly dependent on remittances.
This case of the Nepali people testifies how human needs force people to go abroad to take advantage of the opportunities from globalisation. However, its future is uncertain and cannot be relied on for long.
Seen in the current Nepali context, the globalisation process has yet to touch the Nepali society economically, although some effects can be seen on the cultural life and information technology, which again are concentrated mostly in the urban areas. This again is highly confined to the class of the young and educated people of the cities.
The process has yet to fly beyond the urban areas. This is so because of the political impasse coupled with the less developed socio-economic life now prevailing in the country. Most Nepali people are largely deprived of modern educational opportunities and are indeed suffering from a lack of material and physical facilities.
The truth is that the Nepali society is somehow under minimal effect of the globalisation process that has been thrown upon by universal organisations like the UN and its various agencies and world bodies like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation.
Official globalisation, developing in the aftermath of World War II, and the subsequent global developments in the latter decades of the 20th century are accepted by the world community as being compulsive and supposed to do well for their security, development and social well-being. Alongside this evolutionary trend of the officially embraced globalisation process, other aspects of globalisation in the non-governmental fields of businesses and industrial and service areas have made great leaps forward.
Surprisingly, this development of globalisation have not been able to deliver better things to all countries and regions of the world equitably for sheer lack of physical facilities and absence of stability to impact the economic domain of a country. Until now, there is no global governance on this important matter, nor have the concept and practice of globalism come to the rescue.
The experience of countries which have so far taken great advantages from globalisation shows that for any acceptable and benefit-accruing process to take root in a country, certain positive conditions must be present within its territory and society. Of all the essential things we need, there must be acceptable governance with transparent laws and regulations. Primarily, legal provisions, especially related to property acquisition, management and taxation, need to be put in place. Meanwhile, the judiciary as a guardian and ultimate protector of life and property must be strengthened and respected by society.
Still far more important is the presence of infrastructure - transportation and communication that can make the movements of the people, goods and services easy. A disciplined workforce is also highly warranted for better performance. If these minimal conditions do exist, a positive invasion of globalisation is expected.
Nepal�s integration with the world through economic and trade linkages are still a far cry. The requisite conditions do not exist here because of the political instability and the conspicuous absence of a reliable political leadership. Political wrangling and social unrest have been raising their ugly heads unabatedly. However, in due course of time, if an environment friendly to foreign investment and outsourcing from abroad can be created, globalisation would have a positive impact on the country�s economic condition.
All the political parties with a large following and appreciable influence over the common populace need to make their political stance unambiguous and unequivocal as regards the property and property rights of not only Nepali citizens but also of foreigners. Without fail this must be done with good intention.
Trade and labour unions along with other social organisations have to move on as required for social and labour tranquillity. Work discipline needs to be maintained for their own well-being and harmonious relations between the employers and the employees. Discipline and normal work hold great significance.
Attainment of required skills and abilities by the workers is considered essential for enhancing and improving productivity in the industrial and service sectors. Unquestionably, technical and vocational schools and institutes play useful roles in producing quality manpower in enhancing the economy.
Industrial houses
At a time when liberalisation and privatisation are gaining ground, the industrial houses and business tycoons have a towering role to play in creating a congenial atmosphere for greater economic and trade connectivity. This is the foremost activity that the Nepali business magnets need to carry forward.
Unfortunately, however, they seem less inclined to do so. Initiatives must come from them. Looking up to the highly hobbled government, which is deeply sunk into a political imbroglio, will not liberate Nepal from the economic stagnation and trade deficit now facing the country. Their mindset must undergo a change for better days to come.
Source: The Rising Nepal, May 21, 2007
The globalisation process in its dodging way is rising on a larger scale each passing year. It is happening so because human needs worldwide remain at the core of its development. Meanwhile, it is also coupled with human inquisitiveness and mobility that have invariably added both speed and momentum in propelling it forward. The process will continue to move onward until some catastrophe of a greater politico-economic dimension puts the brakes over it.
Labour export
Undeniably, the trend has bestowed unprecedented benefits to some of the developing countries, especially huge countries like India and China in recent years. But countries like Nepal are hardly touched by the growing waves of globalisation across various continents. It is true that the ongoing globalisation process too has benefited Nepal in one particular area, i.e., labour export, be it unskilled or semi-skilled.
A recent report of Nepal Rastra Bank tells us that in 2005/6, remittances by Nepali workers in various parts of the world, especially in the Middle East and South East Asia contributed 16.8 per cent to Nepal�s GDP. This figure is the amount received through official channels only. If remittances received through unofficial channels are taken into account, the total contribution will rise to around 25 per cent of GDP. This indicates how Nepal is highly dependent on remittances.
This case of the Nepali people testifies how human needs force people to go abroad to take advantage of the opportunities from globalisation. However, its future is uncertain and cannot be relied on for long.
Seen in the current Nepali context, the globalisation process has yet to touch the Nepali society economically, although some effects can be seen on the cultural life and information technology, which again are concentrated mostly in the urban areas. This again is highly confined to the class of the young and educated people of the cities.
The process has yet to fly beyond the urban areas. This is so because of the political impasse coupled with the less developed socio-economic life now prevailing in the country. Most Nepali people are largely deprived of modern educational opportunities and are indeed suffering from a lack of material and physical facilities.
The truth is that the Nepali society is somehow under minimal effect of the globalisation process that has been thrown upon by universal organisations like the UN and its various agencies and world bodies like the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation.
Official globalisation, developing in the aftermath of World War II, and the subsequent global developments in the latter decades of the 20th century are accepted by the world community as being compulsive and supposed to do well for their security, development and social well-being. Alongside this evolutionary trend of the officially embraced globalisation process, other aspects of globalisation in the non-governmental fields of businesses and industrial and service areas have made great leaps forward.
Surprisingly, this development of globalisation have not been able to deliver better things to all countries and regions of the world equitably for sheer lack of physical facilities and absence of stability to impact the economic domain of a country. Until now, there is no global governance on this important matter, nor have the concept and practice of globalism come to the rescue.
The experience of countries which have so far taken great advantages from globalisation shows that for any acceptable and benefit-accruing process to take root in a country, certain positive conditions must be present within its territory and society. Of all the essential things we need, there must be acceptable governance with transparent laws and regulations. Primarily, legal provisions, especially related to property acquisition, management and taxation, need to be put in place. Meanwhile, the judiciary as a guardian and ultimate protector of life and property must be strengthened and respected by society.
Still far more important is the presence of infrastructure - transportation and communication that can make the movements of the people, goods and services easy. A disciplined workforce is also highly warranted for better performance. If these minimal conditions do exist, a positive invasion of globalisation is expected.
Nepal�s integration with the world through economic and trade linkages are still a far cry. The requisite conditions do not exist here because of the political instability and the conspicuous absence of a reliable political leadership. Political wrangling and social unrest have been raising their ugly heads unabatedly. However, in due course of time, if an environment friendly to foreign investment and outsourcing from abroad can be created, globalisation would have a positive impact on the country�s economic condition.
All the political parties with a large following and appreciable influence over the common populace need to make their political stance unambiguous and unequivocal as regards the property and property rights of not only Nepali citizens but also of foreigners. Without fail this must be done with good intention.
Trade and labour unions along with other social organisations have to move on as required for social and labour tranquillity. Work discipline needs to be maintained for their own well-being and harmonious relations between the employers and the employees. Discipline and normal work hold great significance.
Attainment of required skills and abilities by the workers is considered essential for enhancing and improving productivity in the industrial and service sectors. Unquestionably, technical and vocational schools and institutes play useful roles in producing quality manpower in enhancing the economy.
Industrial houses
At a time when liberalisation and privatisation are gaining ground, the industrial houses and business tycoons have a towering role to play in creating a congenial atmosphere for greater economic and trade connectivity. This is the foremost activity that the Nepali business magnets need to carry forward.
Unfortunately, however, they seem less inclined to do so. Initiatives must come from them. Looking up to the highly hobbled government, which is deeply sunk into a political imbroglio, will not liberate Nepal from the economic stagnation and trade deficit now facing the country. Their mindset must undergo a change for better days to come.
Source: The Rising Nepal, May 21, 2007
