As elsewhere, the business community in post-peace agreement Nepal is being held up as the engine of growth and recovery from conflict and poverty. Much hinges on business' ability and willingness to deliver on these expectations, not only in terms of stimulating growth, but also for promoting social equity and cohesion. For policy and programming to be effective, policymakers need to be mindful of and reflect micro- and macro-level realities of the business environment,
including barriers to doing business, as well as how business impacts on the social, political and conflict environment.
This working paper presents key issues, findings and recommendations from a series of research efforts carried out in Kathmandu, as well as Parsa and Morang, two districts in the eastern and central Terai that sit on the east-west industrial corridor, in the course of 2008. The research aimed to better understand the challenges around linking economic recovery and the wider peace
process in Nepal, and sought to surface district- and Kathmandu-level perceptions of relevant stakeholders, especially among the business community.
The target audience for this briefing is Nepali government officials, civil society and private sector representatives, as well as the donor community active in Nepal. Recommendations for each group are included in section 3.
Business perceptions on conflict, peace and outlook on economic recovery: Survey highlights and recommendations
