“Nepal-India Joint Trade Forum Holds Second Meeting, Next in Delhi”

In Kathmandu, the second meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Business Forum (JBF) was held at Chandragiri. The purpose of the meeting was to further strengthen the economic and commercial relations between the two countries. Representatives from Nepal and India participated in the meeting, aiming to enhance the bilateral economic and business ties.

Chandraprasad Dhakal, the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, welcomed the participants at the meeting and highlighted the vast opportunities in the economic sector between Nepal and India. He emphasized the need for policy reforms and practical solutions to address the challenges seen in the economic and business sectors.

Issues such as removing non-tariff barriers, simplifying the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification process for Nepali exports, connecting cities like Bhairahawa and Pokhara with Indian cities, ensuring the supply of essential materials for Nepal’s hydropower and other sustainable development projects were discussed. Additionally, the expansion of Nepal’s access to Indian ports like Mundra (Gujarat), Dhamra (Odisha), and Jawaharlal Nehru (Mumbai) was also raised.

The JBF meeting, which included discussions on trade, investment, energy, tourism, agriculture, information technology, and infrastructure development, aimed to foster cooperation in various sectors. The participants agreed to collaborate on clean energy promotion, tourism and connectivity, strengthening road, rail, and air links, facilitating cross-border trade, investments, agricultural and medicinal plants, removing trade barriers, and providing high-quality seeds and technology.

Both countries expressed commitment to address the challenges faced in trade through cooperation. The meeting also decided to transfer the agreed topics to the Commerce Secretaries of Nepal and India for implementation. The Indian Commerce Secretary Sunil Varthaval and the Nepalese Commerce Secretary Govind Bahadur Karki were handed over the agreed subjects for further action.

The meeting emphasized the practical implementation of the topics presented by the Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Govind Bahadur Karki. The Indian Commerce Secretary, Sunil Varthaval, expressed his commitment to take the lead in implementing the agenda discussed in the JBF.

The President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandraprasad Dhakal, highlighted the importance of cooperation between Nepal and India in resolving issues related to trade. The Nepalese Ambassador to India, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, mentioned the importance of the meeting in addressing economic issues between the two countries and stressed the need for simplification in the discussed matters for mutual benefit.

Bhawani Rana, the Chairman of the Forum (Nepal), highlighted the vast investment and trade opportunities between Nepal and India and the necessity for simplification to reap benefits. N. Sunil Kumar from the Indian side mentioned the ongoing improvements in road, rail, and air connectivity between Nepal and India, which would further enhance convenience in the coming days. It was agreed that the next meeting of the Forum would be held in New Delhi, India.


Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 13, 2025 8:00 am