KATHMANDU : Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government’s main focus right now is safeguarding the people’s lives by preventing and controlling COVID-19. The PM also urged the stakeholders concerned to carry out more research on and expansion of Nepali food recipe’s rich tradition and knowledge.

Inaugurating the Second Global Knowledge Conference organized by Non-resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Committee online on Friday, the PM said that Nepal was fighting coronavirus with the help of both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines.

On the occasion, he said the use of precious medicinal herbs and other things with medicinal values is on the rise in the kitchen of Nepalis. “For the development of our knowledge, experience and skills, more study and research are needed,” the PM argued.

Stating that some rays of hope for economic prosperity are visible in regard to development achievements despite the pandemic, the PM said that Nepal expects the sharing of knowledge and skills and investment from the NRNs.

On the occasion, PM Oli asserted Nepal’s economy is not likely to witness negative growth though the major economies in the world are reeling under economic crises.

Likewise, Oli also sought the role of NRNs for creating a basis for the best utilization of skills and labor at home by ending the trend of leaving the country for abroad in search of livelihood.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Nepal’s ambassadors to different countries, professors and intellectuals from different countries are taking part in the conference.