Kathmandu: When tens of thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets in what came to be called the Gen Z Movement, the tremors shook more than just the political establishment.
Government buildings burned, leaders were forced to resign, and a nation already weighed down by unemployment and migration was thrown into even deeper uncertainty. But in the ashes of upheaval, some in the private sector began to see not only the risks but also the possibility of rebuilding.
One of them is Pawan Golyan, chairman of the Golyan Group, a leading conglomerate with interests in banking, energy, textiles, real estate, and hospitality. In an interview with Clickmandu after the protests, Golyan spoke about the fragility of Nepal’s economy, the resilience of its entrepreneurs, and his belief that the private sector must drive the country toward a trillion-dollar future.
“The morale of the private sector is badly shaken,” Golyan admitted. Factories were torched, supply chains disrupted, and in many districts business owners still feel unsafe. Yet, he insists that despair cannot be the answer. “We cannot sit idle and complain. We must start rebuilding — and we must do it with dignity.”
For Golyan, the heart of the crisis lies in the erosion of security and trust. Entrepreneurs, he says, are hesitant to expand or invest because they no longer feel the government can guarantee protection. “If business owners fear vandalism and political interference more than competition, the economy cannot breathe.”
Even before the upheaval, Nepal’s biggest challenge was unemployment. The country’s economy has long relied on remittances, with nearly 2,000 Nepalis leaving every day for jobs in the Gulf, Malaysia, and beyond. “We are losing our youth — the very people who could build this country,” Golyan warned.
According to him, the private sector employs 86 percent of the workforce and contributes 81 percent of GDP. Yet, it is continuously undermined by unpredictable regulations and short-sighted politics. “We cannot just say ‘we’ll create jobs’ and do nothing. We need policies that empower industries, agriculture, IT, and tourism to absorb our young people.”
Golyan sees three immediate opportunities where Nepal could leap forward:
Agriculture: Despite fertile land, Nepal imports food worth billions every year. “We should be feeding ourselves and exporting organic products. With technology and investment, agriculture could be transformed within five years.”
Information Technology: Young Nepalis are already excelling in software development, outsourcing, and digital services. “IT doesn’t need highways or ports. It only needs skills, internet, and trust. If we give them that, Nepal could become a South Asian hub.”
Tourism: The Gen Z protests revealed frustrations but also showcased the energy of Nepali youth. “If we channel that energy into hospitality, adventure tourism, and culture, Nepal could attract millions more visitors.”
But opportunities are blocked by what Golyan bluntly calls black laws — rules and regulations designed not to help but to harass entrepreneurs. “From tax offices to local municipalities, many laws are written to extract bribes or delay approvals. This culture is strangling us.”
He argues that corruption has become a parallel system that discourages honest investors and rewards only those willing to play dirty. “Unless we change this environment, foreign investors will hesitate, and our own people will prefer to send their money abroad.”
The Gen Z Movement left behind more than charred government buildings. It also left deep scars on the relationship between citizens and the state. The government has announced crowdfunding for reconstruction, but Golyan believes private-public cooperation is essential. “We cannot expect the government alone to rebuild. Businesses are ready to contribute — even to rebuilding police stations that were destroyed. But the state must guarantee transparency and accountability.”
Opportunities are blocked by what Golyan bluntly calls black laws — rules and regulations designed not to help but to harass entrepreneurs.
Perhaps Golyan’s boldest vision is his call for Nepal to aim for a trillion-dollar economy. Today, Nepal’s GDP is roughly US$ 40 billion. To reach a trillion seems, at first glance, impossible. But Golyan insists that ambition is necessary.
“Look at countries that were poorer than us 30 years ago — Vietnam, Bangladesh, even parts of Africa. They grew because they believed in industrialization, exports, and reform. If Nepal can tap its hydropower, agriculture, tourism, and IT, why should we not dream big?”
Throughout the conversation, Golyan returned to one theme: the role of youth. “The Gen Z Movement proved that young people are not apathetic. They want change, and they are ready to fight for it. The question is: can we give them opportunities here at home so they don’t feel forced to migrate?”
He believes the private sector must partner with young entrepreneurs, invest in startups, and open doors for innovation. “If we ignore them, they will rebel. If we empower them, they will rebuild Nepal.”
For now, uncertainty still hangs over the country. Political leaders remain cautious, the economy fragile, and thousands of businesses count their losses. But Golyan is determined not to give in to cynicism.
“I have spent my life building industries in Nepal. I have seen wars, blockades, and political instability. But I have never lost faith in this country’s potential. This is our home — we must not give up.”
As Nepal prepares for elections and a long, difficult process of reconstruction, Golyan’s words echo the sentiments of many in the private sector: a mixture of frustration, urgency, and hope. The challenges are immense — from corruption to unemployment, from migration to political instability. Yet, as he puts it, “If we do not seize this moment, we will lose another generation.”
In the end, Pawan Golyan’s profile is not just about one businessman’s resilience. It is about a nation at a crossroads, where the flames of protest could either burn down what remains or ignite a new path forward.
“Nepal deserves better,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “And together, we can make it happen.”
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