Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has emphasized that the government's role in a liberal economy should focus on effective regulation rather than direct trade involvement.

Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Central Department of Supply and Consumer Affairs of the Nepali Congress on Tuesday, Deuba said that while adopting a liberal economic policy, industrialists and entrepreneurs must be encouraged, but within a well-regulated framework.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the current import quota on gold, Deuba argued that lifting the restriction could help reduce gold smuggling and promote transparent trade.

In a broader context, he pointed out that Nepal is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, urging the need for global cooperation alongside national efforts to mitigate its impact.

During the event, Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa highlighted the current coalition government’s priorities: economic reform, good governance, investment promotion, and constitutional amendments. He stressed that both business interests and consumer rights must be protected in a capitalist economy.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak noted the importance of ensuring that each stage of the supply chain functions smoothly, as any disruption affects consumers. He said the government is committed to both market facilitation and regulation.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Ramnath Adhikari informed that several agricultural reforms have been introduced in the budget, and his ministry will now focus on implementation, given the large population dependent on farming.

Abdul Khan, Chairman of the Industry, Commerce, Labor, and Consumer Welfare Committee in Parliament, called for cross-party collaboration on issues of public welfare, beyond politics.

Other participants, including Congress leaders Min Bishwakarma, Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi, Alin Rungta, Dinesh Koirala, and former officials such as Dr. Chiranjivi Nepal and Kebal Bhandari, discussed the impact of the budget on the consumer supply chain and stressed the importance of protecting consumer rights and interests.