Dewan Rai's article 'Business visas for non-businessmen' (# 179) on people bribing government officials to obtain a visa was enlightening. However, it would be a pity if a reaction to the article threw the baby out with the bath water. The problem Rai identifies is not with Nepal's investment laws, but with corrupt officials. These laws are surprisingly fair to small investors. We know dozens of expatriates in Nepal making a genuine attempt to contribute to the development of the country. They obtained their visas on the strengths of their contribution to the country, not by paying bribes. In defence of the Department of Industry, we have found them professional and fair. If indeed your article is correct, I hope Rai gets to dig a little deeper, and finds out who is spoiling the department's good reputation with foreign investors.

Craig Drown,
Kathmandu