Kathmandu, Jan. 11
The second meeting of the
Nepal-India Joint Business Forum (JBF) held in Kathmandu on Saturday agreed on
cooperation in energy, strengthening cross-border connectivity, enhancing trade
investment and supporting digital technology.
The meeting participated
by the representatives from both the nations agreed on cooperation in
hydropower, solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects to promote clean
energy. It also agreed on strengthening connectivity through road, rail, and
air links to facilitate cross-border trade, enhancing trade and investment,
removing quotas on agricultural products, and ensuring the availability of
high-quality seeds and technology.
Likewise, it stressed collaboration
on research and commercialisation of medicinal plants, and providing support to
digital technology and start-ups in both nations, the Federation of Nepalese
Chambers of Commerce and Industry informed in a statement.
The JBF meeting, which is
a part of the Nepal-India Commerce Secretary-level discussions, saw
deliberations on a range of issues, including trade, investment, energy,
tourism, agriculture, information technology, and infrastructure development.
Both sides expressed
their commitment to resolving trade challenges through mutual cooperation.
Agreements from the meeting were formally handed over to Nepal’s Commerce
Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki and India’s Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
by JBF Chairpersons Bhawani Rana and N. Sunil Kumar.
Speaking at an interaction following the meeting, Nepal's Minister of
Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, said that both sides need
to implement the agreements reached during the meeting to address challenges in
imports and exports effectively.
Speaking on the occasion,
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the FNCCI, highlighted the immense economic
potential between the two countries. He said that there is a need for policy
reforms and practical solutions to address existing challenges in bilateral
trade and investment.
He called for the removal
of non-tariff barriers, facilitation in resolving issues related to the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for Nepali exports, and the
establishment of air connectivity between Indian cities and airports in
Bhairahawa and Pokhara.
Dhakal also stressed the
importance of easing the supply of explosive materials needed for hydropower
and infrastructure development in Nepal. He sought Nepal's enhanced access to
Indian ports, including Mundra in Gujarat, Dhamra in Odisha, and Jawaharlal
Nehru Port in Mumbai.
Nepal's Commerce
Secretary, Karki, emphasised the importance of practical implementation of the
agreed points, while India’s Commerce Secretary, Barthwal, assured efforts from
his side to address the raised agendas.
Indian Ambassador to
Nepal, Navin Srivastava, said that the meeting had importance for addressing
bilateral economic issues. He pledged facilitation from his end.
JBF Chairperson Bhawani
Rana highlighted the vast potential for trade and investment between Nepal and
India and called for necessary facilitation to harness mutual benefits. Indian
representative N. Sunil Kumar noted ongoing improvements in road, rail, and air
connectivity, which, according to him, would further enhance ease of business
in the coming days.
The next JBF meeting will be held in New Delhi, India.
Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 January 2025.
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