Kathmandu, July 21: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced 'relief package' to prop up the industries and enterprises that suffered worst in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inaugurating the 18th assembly of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries on Wednesday, PM Deuba shared that he was planning a special package on how the industries suffering much in the wake of COVID-19 and lockdown could be restored so that they could contribute to national economy again. He added that he thought so after consultation with businessperson and related experts.

"We have given priority to vaccinate all citizens against COVID-19 and utilize their knowledge and skills to national economy and development," reminded, adding that investment promotion was equally important work.

PM Deuba reiterated that although development is always a priority, saving people's lives gets utmost priority now. "It's challenging to face pandemic, so human safety is first priority," he underscored.

On the occasion, Finance Minister Janardan Sharma viewed that the pandemic reminded all of us to strengthen self-reliant economy. He appreciated the 'make in Nepal' campaign launched by the CNI. "Government is for taking the private sector into confidence to revive the national economy which is dented much by the pandemic. Government helps boost private sectors' competitiveness, he vowed.

Similarly, founding chair of the Confederation, Binod Kumar Chaudhari, said the Confederation was acting as the think-tank. He claimed that the economic reform launched by the Nepali Congress-led government following the restoration of democracy in 1990 had tremendous contribution to country's economic development, augmentation of private sector and investment opportunities. Now, in the changed context, second phase of such reform could be launched, he suggested the government.