KATHMANDU, APRIL 29

Nepal has underscored the need of collective efforts among the Least Developed Countries, Land-locked Developing Countries and Pacific Island Developing Countries in a bid to eliminate multi-dimensional poverty and structural hurdles in their zone.

According to a press statement issued by the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok today, Vice-chairman of the National Planning Commission, Puspa Raj Kandel highlighted the need to make unified efforts to diversify trade and alleviate poverty.

Kandel stressed the need to forge international cooperation for availability and accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines, debt relief measures and financial support to the LCDs, LLDCs and PIDCs at the time of health crisis.

Addressing the Special Body on the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Pacific Island Developing States during the 77th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok through online platform yesterday, Kandel viewed that support measures should focus on increasing social and economic resilience.

'As the second wave of COV- ID-19 is plaguing the LCDs, LLDCs and PIDCs currently, these countries can play a pivotal role in promoting economic growth, diversifying trade and transforming structural barriers,' he said.

He said trade, tourism and transport were the hardest-hit sectors in the midst of pandemic and the government of Nepal was working to prevent the pandemic spread and treatment of those infected in an effective manner.

A version of this article appears in the print on April 30, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.