The
India-Pakistan tensions have cast gloom over other regional exchanges and
non-political dealings as well.
In an apparent
blow to the regionalism and spirit of the charter of the South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the tensions between the two nuclear-power
states in the regions has caused the cancellation of the conference of the
business communities of the member states.
A conference
on ‘Aspiring and integrated SAARC: Changing realities, opportunities and
challenges’ with the theme role of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(SAARCCC) in shaping the regional economy and beyond’ has been cancelled and
postponed at the eleventh hour.
The
conference, that would have drawn about 500 businesspersons, investors and
other experts from the region, was supposed to be inaugurated by Prime Minister
KP Sharma Oli at Hotel Yak and Yeti in the Capital on Friday but when reporters
reached the venue it was desolate and high-officials of some diplomatic
missions in the Capital were strolling in the parking and lobby area.
The guests who
were not informed about the postponement of the event made the round of the
venue.
Federation of
Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), coorganiser of the event,
expressed its ignorance over the incident, and said that it was supporting in
the management of the conference.
The Rising
Nepal has learnt that the India-Pakistan tensions have created a situation
which forced the SAARC Secretariat, Nepal
government, Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and
other concerned bodies to suggest for finding another comfortable time for the
conference in the near future.
A high-level
source said that the SAARC Secretariat had suggested for the postponement of
the event as some businessmen from the member countries were in dilemma whether
to participate in the event.
It is also
learnt that the Indian government was not happy with the regional CCI and
doubted that there was infiltration of unwanted elements.
Immediate Past
President of the SAARC CCI Suraj Vaidya said that it was very sad that the
SAARC CCI event was cancelled and postponed. He also expressed ignorance about
reasons.
“I think the
business community should be more responsible and keep itself away from the
politics,” he said.
But, the SAARC
CCI said that the programme was not cancelled but postponed.
Vice President
of the SAARC CCI Chandi Raj Dhakal said that the conference would be organised
by the end of week of April, after the Nepal Investment Summit 2019 which is
slated for 29 and 30 March.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 16 March 2019.
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