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“Social and Ecological Market Economy (SEME)” Presentation by Visiting GIZ Experts

On behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the National Business Initiative (NBI) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH (formerly the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), jointly organised a programme on “Social and Ecological Market Economy (SEME)” on January 25, 2010 in Kathmandu.

The programme started with welcome remarks by Mr. Horst Ammann, Programme Manager, GIZ/INCLUDE, and Honorable Mr. Padma Jyoti, President of the NBI who noted that the country was in the process of formulating a new constitution and that there was gradual but positive consensus among political parties. He further opined that SEME is a concept with much promise if it can be better understood and implemented in the proper Nepalese context.

Dr. Dieter Benecke, an expert in social and ecological market economy, presented the concept of SEME, outlining its aims and success conditions required for it. Ms. Cornelia Richter, Director General of Planning & Development, GIZ, also gave a presentation on the impact of social and ecological market economy and cited examples from Asian countries in transition and related it to Nepal’s ground realities.

The chief guest Honourable Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, former Finance Minister of the Government of Nepal, also spoke about the relevance of SEME in Nepal. Dr. Mahat said, “Nepal is experiencing historic transition with many critical phases. However, we can still have economic recovery and peaceful environment.” Dr. Mahat added that the SEME model has the potential to be beneficial for Nepal.

Dr. Horst Matheaus, Programme Manager, GIZ Federalism Support Programme, stressed that SEME is a systematic, flexible and adaptable model and not static. Dr. Matheaus implored to all present that if the SEME model was to be implemented in Nepal, a compatible situation must also be encouraged. He concluded by saying that only dialogue with actors was not the solution but the outcome of the dialogue has to be implemented with caution to avoid conflicts among parties.

Another programme on “Social and Ecological Market Economy (SEME)” was jointly organised by Apex College and GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), for academicians and students on January 28, 2010 at Hotel Everest in Kathmandu.

The Social Market Economy: The social market economy is a system of countervailing powers through which a dynamic equilibrium is created. The fundamental institutional requirements are the rule of law and a democratic order in which the interests of the different social groups are respected. Social partnership between trade unions and entrepreneurial associations is an essential component of labor market design, to allow for entrepreneurial dynamics, investment, high employment rates, and social justice. The implementation of social market economy is based on three general principles: Individual spirit of achievement and self-responsibility of citizens, solidarity within society and subsidiarity of the state.

SEME in the press: SEME Article - The BOSS 100215