Bi-national chambers means of economic diplomacy

 Kathmandu, Mar. 25

President Ram Chandra Paudel has said that the bi-national chambers of commerce and industry are the conductors of economic diplomacy.

In a meeting with the presidents and office bearers of the 19 bi-national CCIs on Saturday at Sheetal Niwas, he appreciated the efforts of the country's foreign trade, investment and tourism promotion through them and urged to continue it.

President Paudel praised the role played by the private sector in filling the gaps in economic diplomacy. "In the countries where Nepal does not have its missions, the gap in economic diplomacy can be filled through the private sector," he said.

President Paudel mentioned that the role of the private sector should be strong and effective for the greater economic development of the country and held the view that foreign investment can be facilitated through the bi-national CCIs.

Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, immediate past president of Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said on behalf of 19 bilateral CCIs that the president guide the government to formulate policies and regulations that are friendly to the private sector.

"We strongly believe that you will guide Nepal's government in the formulation of private sector-friendly policies and their effective implementation," said Shrestha while expecting guardian’s role from the president.

The representatives of the bi-national CCIs presented the impacts of the external sector pressure, trade deficit and foreign investment on the economy, and said that if private sector-friendly policies and rules could be formulated, the image of the economy can be changed.  

Presidents and officers of Nepal-China CCI, Nepal-German CCI, Nepal-India CCI, Nepal-America CCI, and Nepal-Britain CCU were in the delegation that called on the president.

Similarly, the meeting also witnessed the participation of the presidents of Nepal-Japan CCI, Nepal-Korea CCI, Nepal-Russia CCI, Nepal-Vietnam CCI, Nepal-Finland CCI, Nepal-Singapore CCI, Nepal-Italy CCI, Nepal-Kuwait CCI, Nepal-Thailand CCI, Nepal-UAE CCI, Nepal-Sri Lanka CCI, Nepal-Myanmar CCI, Nepal-Philippines CCI and Nepal-Peru CCI.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 26 March 2023.