Kathmandu, Sept. 11: Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said that the government should make Nijgadh International Airport a top priority.

On the occasion of the 110th BP Jayanti, he addressed the seminar on the foundations of economic revolution in Nepal; he mentioned that Nijgadh International Airport should be built first before Lumbini and Pokhara Airports, because the work could not be completed because the priority could not be determined.

He said that the Kathmandu-Terai fast track will be built in the next four years and the airport will also be built in the same period. He said that there is more potential for hydropower and tourism in Nepal and emphasis should be placed on infrastructure development to connect these areas with economic progress. He said that many tourist destinations could not be recognized due to lack of infrastructure.

"First of all we had to build Nijgadh. We have not been able to determine some of our priorities correctly. There has been a lot of talk about Nijgadh," he said. "After the fast track, you can reach Kathmandu in 45 minutes. We have to give that airport top priority. We will build the airport in four years."

Minister Mahat said that economic revolution is possible in Nepal if everyone works together. He said that the private sector should be the bearer of economic change and the government should play the role of a partner. He said that the government should increase investment in education, health and infrastructure.

"The government should invest more in education, health and infrastructure. The rest of the production should be left to the private sector. As for distribution, the government should take charge of it," he said. "The government will lead the distribution. Main assistance will be on production; private experts will be the driving force.”