NICCI delegation meets Energy Minister Khadka, discusses investment, power trade

KATHMANDU: Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI) held a meeting on Thursday with the newly appointed Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Dipak Khadka, at his office in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu.

The NICCI delegation, led by its President Shreejana Rana, included Vice President Sunil KC, Treasurer Kunal Kayal, Executive Member Arun KC, Convener of the Energy Committee Batu Lamichhane, Deputy Director Marshal Rathour, and Finance Head Nimesh Nepal.

NICCI President Rana congratulated Minister Khadka on his appointment, noting his extensive practical knowledge from grassroots to policy levels. She expressed optimism that under his leadership, the ministry would address critical issues related to energy development, transmission lines, and power trade with India and Bangladesh.

The meeting focused on attracting foreign investments, project development, and capacity enhancement in the energy sector, which is crucial for reducing the country's trade deficit through energy exports to India and other countries via Indian transmission lines.

Lamichhane, NICCI's Convener of the Energy Committee, requested Minister Khadka to open the power trade sector to private entities, enabling competitive energy exports to India and breaking the current monopoly, a major concern for Nepali private sectors.

NICCI Vice President KC highlighted several key issues in the energy sector. He emphasised the need for a joint mechanism involving the private sector, Nepal Army, and government representatives to facilitate the timely import of explosives, crucial for project completion. He also stressed the need for collaboration with Indian and Bangladeshi governments to develop transmission lines. Further, KC suggested organising roadshows in India and Bangladesh to attract investments for project development and execute a trilateral energy trade agreement among the three countries.

On the occasion, Minister Khadka thanked NICCI members for their valuable insights and assured them that the government is positive about such initiatives. He highlighted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has instructed a collaborative approach with the private sector to develop policies that support achieving Nepal's development goals by 2030.

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