Nepal Administrative Staff College, Management Learning Group, Centre for Organizational Development organized a roundtable discussion on “Transforming Public Enterprises for the Future: Performance, Innovation and Reform Priorities” on 2083 Jestha 22 (June 05, 2026). This discussion aimed to foster in-depth dialogue on identifying challenges, sharing experiences, and building a collaborative platform for transforming public enterprises for the future through improved performance, innovation, and reform-oriented interventions. The roundtable discussion brought together top-level officials, dignitaries, and key stakeholders from ministries and public enterprises to share experiences and explore actionable recommendations to strengthen governance, performance, management efficiency, and accountability in public enterprises.
At the beginning of the program, Mr. Rajendra Adhikari, Senior Director of Studies at NASC, delivered the opening and welcome remarks by highlighting the objectives, rationale, and importance of the program. Ms. Anita Poudel, Director of Studies at NASC, moderated the roundtable session, which began with the introduction of dignitaries, experts, and participants.
Mr. Bimal Prasad Wagle, Former Secretary of the Government of Nepal, delivered a comprehensive thematic presentation on the current status, historical context, and critical challenges facing Nepal’s public enterprises. In his presentation, he analyzed the evolution of PEs since the 1960s, the shift toward reforms and privatization in the 1980s, and the prevailing financial and structural bottlenecks, such as massive unfunded liabilities and political interference. He proposed actionable recommendations and reform strategies, such as the implementation of holding companies, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of these institutions. The presentation was followed by an engaging open-floor discussion and a Q&A session, during which participants raised pertinent issues that were thoughtfully addressed.
Following the open floor, a panel of experts led the thematic discussions. Dr. Paras Kharel (Executive Director at South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment), and Dr. Resham Thapa (Associate Professor at the Central Department of Economics, Tribhuvan University)
shared their perspectives on future-oriented interventions, emphasizing performance improvement and innovation.
Additionally, Mr. Mahesh Acharya, Joint Secretary and division head of the Financial Sector Management and Institution Coordination Division at the Ministry of Finance, shared the perspectives and policy directions of the Ministry of Finance, Government of Nepal, regarding public enterprise management.
In the closing remarks, Acting Executive Director of NASC, Mr. Basanta Raj Sigdel, reiterated that the effective transformation of public enterprises requires collective effort and sustained commitment from all stakeholders. He expressed appreciation for the constructive inputs provided by the experts and participants, noting that such dialogues are crucial for informed decision-making and structural reforms in the public sector.
