DAMAULI, June 23 – Industrialists and businessmen from the western region have raised serious concerns over the six years old Maoist insurgency, which according to them, has crippled the national economy.

They also pointed out the need for a fruitful dialogue with the rebels to resolve the crisis. The industrialists said they were ready to extend their cooperation for such a dialogue, if needed.

“Both the export and import have diminished resulting in an adverse impact in the national revenue collection,” said Ananda Ram Mulmi, former chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), addressing the regional seminar of the Western Region Industry and Commerce Association here on Saturday.

Mulmi also urged the government to bring about transparency on the revenue administration to achieve the target of the budget. He claimed that the army mobilisation would not help increase revenue in any way.

“We have obtained reports of corruption even after the army mobilisation in major customs points,” former FNCCI chairman Mulmi said.

Industry and Commerce Association Chairmen from all 16 districts of the Western Region were present in the seminar, chaired by Ashok Kumar Shrestha, Chairman of Tanahu Industry and Commerce Association.

Other businessmen who addressed the gathering rapped the government for carrying out raids in their stores and warehouses in the name of Value Added Tax.