Natural resources, alone cannot help prosper a country: Chaudhary

A country cannot prosper only due to natural resources, according to an entrepreneur.

If only natural resources were the cause of prosperity, Nepal could have been the wealthiest nation, and Japan and Singapore would have been the poorest nations in the world, said entrepreneur Binod Chaudhary addressing the 41^st Isaame Area Forum, organised by Lions Club, in Kathmandu today.

Natural resources alone could not ensure the economic prosperity, he said, adding that the key to economic prosperity is efficient management of the resources.

Nepal and the African nations are the most naturally beautiful countries in the world, said the first Forbes listed Nepali billionaire addressing some 3,000 Lions gathered in Kathmandu from some 63 nations, including Nepal, from the Isaame area that includes South Asia, Africa and the Middle East. "These countries are poor because they failed to manage their natural resources."

However natural resources will help make it easier to develop a country, said Chaudhary, who was once involved in the Lions Club as Leo. "But the efficient management of natural resources for commercial benefit will help develop a country economically."

Despite political transition, Nepali private sector has worked hard to keep economy afloat, which has proved the management capacity of the private sector of Nepal, he added. "The Nepali private sector has developed a crisis management skill due to prolonged transition."

The business fraternity should also focus on corporate social responsibility, apart from profit making, opined the chairman of Chaudhary group. "The global business tycoons have also contributed to the social cause from their profits."

The private sector has proved its mettle in Nepal and now it also has to contribute to the social sector, he said, proposing the Lions International to join hands for the social cause.

Lions Clubs International president Barry Palmer, on the occasion, accepted Chaudhary's proposal.

Lauding Nepali Lions' contribution to the society, especially in education and healthcare services, Pamler asked the Lions across the globe to learn from Nepal. Palmer also promised to help Nepal's junior cricket club as in recent months Nepali players have been doing exceptionally well in cricket and qualified for 20-20 world cup.

The 41^st Isaame Area Forum organised by Lions Club Nepal was inaugurated by the President Dr Ram Baran Yadav on December 5 will conclude tomorrow.

The historic gathering of some 2,200 Lions from the Isaame area apart from over 800 Nepali Lions was the largest ever gathering so far.

The Forum also endorsed Bob Carlo as the second vice president for the year 2014 and past international director Naresh Aggrawal for the second vice president for 2015. The Forum also endorsed international directors for the years 2014 and 2015. Lion Sanjay Khetan will be the international director – the first ever in the history of Nepali Lions in last four decades – in 2015. Lions club is going to celebrate centennial anniversary in 2017.