NCC asks for Australia’s investment in Nepal’s hydropower, tourism sectors

KATHMANDU: Officials of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) have asked for Australia's investment in hydropower, construction, tourism, agriculture and small industries in Nepal. In a meeting held with Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, at the Chamber Bhawan in Jamal, Kathmandu,  NCC President Malla stressed a need for high-level economic partnership from the government and private sectors to further strengthen the more than 60-year-old diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia. Malla said Australia has provided financial and technical support for the conservation and development of Nepal's forest sector for a long time and emphasized its continuation. He also asked the Australian Ambassador to promote the international market by investing in the industry that processes herbs, minerals and metals. The NCC President also urged Ambassador Volk to look into the prospect of investing in Nepal's hydroelectricity. President Malla opined that Australia could invest in Nepal with confidence as the has made many reforms in the policy sector for foreign investment. The NCC President committed to taking initiatives on behalf of the private sector to ensure the investment of Australia. In the context of Nepali students going to Australia to study, Malla urged Ambassador Volk to help improve the quality of education by affiliating Nepali educational institutions with Australian institutions. President Malla also stressed the benefit Nepal and Australia could reap by expanding direct flights between the two countries. He opined that this could play an important role in promoting Nepal's tourism. The NCC President also urged Ambassador Volk to take the initiative in the private sector of Australia for investment in the field of information technology. In response, Ambassador Volk said the diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia are more than 60 years old and historical. She said Australia will always be proud of its historical relationship with Nepal. Mentioning the Nepali students going to Australia for study, the ambassador said the Australian government has prioritised educational reform and their future.  She opined that investment from Australia could not be made although there is no policy problem in Nepal. READ ALSO:

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