NICCI delegation calls on Finance Secy Pushkar

KATHMANDU: A delegation of Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) met with newly appointed Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar, at the latter's office in Singhadurbar, Kathmandu on Friday. The seven-member delegation led by NICCI President Shreejana Rana offered congratulations to Pushkar for his appointment as a Finance Secretary. Further, the NICCI representatives briefed him about the role played by the organisation to bring in foreign direct investment (FDI) from India in the 90’s era and informed him that the organisation has still been actively working for the same. The team reminded the secretary that India is the single trading partner of Nepal having two-thirds of international trade in Nepal, 100% of transit affairs related to bilateral trade and 90% of transit affairs of the third countries take place via India, 40% FDI is from India, 20% of tourists visiting Nepal are from India.  The southern neighbour is next door to Nepal's trade as most of the industrial and consumer imports come from India and the exports go to India. The NICCI representatives also mentioned that India is also becoming a development and trading partner for the most awaited power trade and NICCI has been playing the role of facilitator in these activities from the very beginning of its establishment for the last 29 years. NICCI is the only bilateral body playing a role in the promotion of bilateral economic activities from the private sector in Nepal, the representatives highlighted. NICCI is also looking after the Joint Working Group meeting to promote bilateral tourism between Nepal and India, they told the finance secretary. During the meeting, the delegation informed that NICCI is preparing to hold Nepal-India Partnership Summit in which the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS), Investment Board Nepal and both embassies will participate. The NICCI representatives also urged the Finance Ministry to join hands and extend support to this event. In the Courtesy Call, NICCI team also sought support from Finance Ministry and urged the Finance Secretary to include the organisation as a major stakeholder in bringing FDIs from India and provide space in every programme and project organised by the ministry The newly appointed Finance Secretary acknowledged the greetings and wishes expressed by the NICCI delegation. He committed to supporting NICCI’s future programme to the possible extent. The NICCI delegation comprised Vice Presidents duo Sunil KC and Harkirat Singh Bedi, Secretary General Ramesh Sharma, Treasurer Kunal Kayal, Director General Keshab Man Singh and Deputy Director Marshal Rathour. READ ALSO:

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