Pokhara to have regional international airport: FM

Since Pokhara's future depends on tourism, the government is ready to improve infrastructure for the tourism promotion, according to finance minister.

Inaugurating the 15^th Pokhara Street Festival, in Pokhara today, finance minister Shankar Prasad Koirala said that the budget for the current fiscal year has promised a regional international airport in Pokhara. "The budget has also allocated Rs 1 billion for the land compensation for the airport," he said, adding that the government has accelerated planning to construct international regional airport in Pokhara and add new aircraft for national flag carrier in Chinese help.

There is a lot to do to develop Pokhara commercially, Koirala said, asking to prepare a strategic plan to develop the lake city.

The incumbent government has brought the economy back on track, he added. "The new elected government will drive it to its destination as the political transition has come to an end and it's time to start economic revolution."

The government's duty is not to do business, he said asking the private sector to take the lead."

The private sector is the engine of growth, said the regional administrator of the Western region Lok Darshan Regmi. "The diplomatic mission of Nepal across the globe has to promote tourism," he said, adding that Nepalis should be proud of their culture and tradition.

The six-day street festival will see cultural dance, food fiesta, and many more fun.