Lumbini, Butwal, and Bhairahawa form a golden triangle of trade and tourism in Nepal. This region holds tremendous potential for various economic opportunities. Buddha’s birthplace and Kapilavastu, Ramagrama, and Devdaha are major pilgrimage sites, attracting millions of rupees to Nepal.
The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Bhairahawa and the Motipur Industrial Corridor have attracted diverse investments in industries, which are the backbone of Lumbini Province. The SEZ facilitates trade for exports.
The Gautam Buddha International Airport is a major game-changer for the Province. Lumbini is rich in natural resources, including timber, medicinal herbs from the Chure Hills, river stones, aggregates, sands, and soils – all valuable for domestic use and export to India.
Agriculture: Crops like paddy, wheat, mustard, lentils, and green vegetables can be exported from Bhairahawa via the Gautam Buddha International Airport.
Connectivity: Connectivity is a major component for development. The government must invest in establishing connections with more airline companies for the airport to function effectively and achieve its goals.
High-Speed Internet: A cyber highway with high-speed internet is necessary for development. The Province must invest in this critical component.
Tourism: Palpa, Butwal, Resunga in Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, and Supa Deurali boast scenic hill stations for tourism. Banke National Park and Bardia National Park are home to tigers and diverse wildlife. Customs, Immigration, and
Trade Corridor: Developing a well-functioning customs/immigration/export/import corridor is crucial for fostering travel and trade.
Sports Hub: Lumbini Province has the potential to be a sports hub. The Siddhartha Stadium in Bhairahawa can be developed with more facilities, and the new Oval Stadium in Tilottama Municipality needs further development and government attention.
Gautam Buddha International Airport: The airport serves as a hub for passenger and labor traffic for the entire Terai region and adjoining hills.
Economic Master Plan: A clear-cut economic master vision plan is needed for the development of Province cities. The aim should be to attract more than 5 million tourists, including those from India.
Lumbini Mega City: Whether called a Mega City, Smart City, or Peace City, the development of this urban center must be undertaken seriously with significant Province investment.
Investment and Exports: Policies, investment security, and export opportunities must be guaranteed for investors.
Branding and Marketing: Utilizing our resources and market effectively, along with strong branding, is essential for foreign markets. Thailand, for example, leverages its unique resources (sex and sea) to generate billions. Lumbini Province, with its combination of plains (Terai), hills, and the Himalayas, offers immense potential for trade and tourism.
Organic Agriculture: The Terai and Hills have the potential for producing organic-based agro crops and green vegetables. We must attract foreign investors and engage our private sector. Dabur Nepal’s significant investment in herbal medicines serves as a successful example.
Education: Basic and higher education are crucial, but educational institutions must remain free from political interference.
Nepal’s Richness: Nepal and Lumbini Province are both rich in culture, nature, wildlife, and stunning Himalayan scenery. A visit to Lumbini Province will create lasting memories for all travelers.
Chetan Pant
View More PostsChetan Pant, a former banker and freelance journalist, hails from Bhairahawa, Nepal. Pant dedicates his work to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. He utilizes various mediums, including articles, videos, and reports, to share insights into this sacred site.
