Bhaban Bhatta, a Japan based non-resident Nepali (NRN), has been elected as the new president of the International Coordination Council (ICC) of the NRN Association (NRNA), the umbrella body of NRNs. Bhatta secured 1,197 votes in the election held on Monday. His contender Jamuna Gurung, the spouse of outgoing NRNA president Shesh Ghale, garnered 584 votes. Bhatta has invested in sectors ranging from media, hospitality and education to brewery and aviation, among others, in Nepal. The newly-elected NRNA president, who is engaged in hospitality business in Japan, said he would give continuity to work initiated by previous NRNA executive committee and make the umbrella body of NRNs more dynamic. The Post caught up with Bhatta to talk about his future plans. Excerpts: 

How do you plan to steer the NRNA?

As the new NRNA leader, my priority would be to unite the NRNs and make the organisation vibrant. Many youths and women have recently joined the organisation. I would like to see them actively taking part in nation-building process. For that, I’ll design a common investment vehicle, which will streamline the process of channelling funds scattered in various countries to Nepal. This will pave the way for small investments to enter Nepal. I am also planning to establish NRN Academy, which will provide a platform for Nepali scholars residing in various countries to work together. 

During the election campaign, you talked about SMART NRNA. What actually is SMART NRNA?

S stands for specific, M for measurable, A for achievable, R for realistic, and T for time-bound. This means our goals would be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. This will make the NRNA more organised, effective and efficient. 

Apart from a handful of NRNs, not many are investing in Nepal. What could be the reasons for this and what would you do to help Nepal attract investment? 

Entrepreneurs are risk-averse. Everyone does not have the appetite and the ability to take risks. This theory applies to NRNs as well. So, only few are investing in Nepal, while others are still struggling in distant countries. It is, therefore, quite natural for Nepal to receive few investors. But still I’ll try to persuade more NRNs to invest in Nepal.

Many blame NRNs for doing nothing except visiting the country every two years to attend global conference and general assembly, which coincide with Dashain, the biggest festival of Hindus. They then make big promises, but deliver little. What is your take on this? 

This is a false allegation. We are here because of our love towards our homeland. Many countries across the globe roll out red carpet to attract our investment. The 

problem with Nepal is its investment climate, which is still not very good. However, this has not dampened our confidence. I think everyone should be more positive towards NRNs and appreciate efforts we are making to develop the country.

The NRNA is building model integrated settlement at Laprak, which was completely destroyed by 2015 earthquake. The work still has not picked up pace. How do you plan to speed up construction works? 

We understand the urgency of this project, as this settlement will provide shelters to earthquake survivors. The project got delayed because the National Reconstruction Authority took time to provide necessary clearance. Also, the terrain where the settlement is being built is difficult. But works are moving ahead at a good speed now and I promise to expedite the construction so that quake survivors of Laprak could get a roof above their heads at the earliest.