KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has said that Nepal’s economy is currently in a challenging situation.

Speaking at a program organized on Tuesday to mark the 67th anniversary of Nepal Airlines, Minister Pandey stated that the country is going through an economically difficult phase and Nepal Airlines too has not been able to achieve financial and commercial success.

He emphasized that employees must focus on what improvements are needed day by day. According to him, success can be achieved through integrity and competence.

The minister pointed out that the only public institution to have reported profits or increased income this year compared to the previous year is the National Dance Theater. He said he holds the same expectations from Nepal Airlines moving forward.

“We are going through a very challenging time. The country is in a tough condition. Even here (Nepal Airlines), we are facing challenges in achieving the level of management and financial-commercial success we are supposed to attain,” he said.

“I believe that if you work with dedication and competence, results will follow. The National Dance Theater is the only public entity to have increased its profit or income this year. I hope Nepal Airlines will show similar signs of improvement,” he added.