KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 5

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, in collaboration with the Federation Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Kathmandu, organised a Business Forum today.

The Business Forum was inaugurated by the Indonesian Ambassador Heru H Subolo, and attended by the President of FNCCI Chandra Prasad Dhakal, who also serves as the honorary consul of the Republic of Indonesia for Nepal, along with high-ranking officials and members of FNCCI.

FNCCI President Dhakal highlighted the cultural similarities between Nepal and Indonesia and emphasised the trade balance between the two countries.

He mentioned that Nepal imports more goods from Indonesia than it exports and suggested efforts to minimise this trade gap, focusing on increasing exports.

Nepal's main products exported to Indonesia are carpets, tea, and jute products, while Indonesia's main products exported to Nepal are palm oil, mineral oils, wood, and paper.

Dhakal also stressed the importance of direct flights between Kathmandu and Jakarta to promote bilateral trade and tourism, along with resolving immigration policies between Nepal and Indonesia.

Indonesian Ambassador Subolo stated that the business forum is held every year to establish good relations between Indonesia and Nepal, particularly between the entrepreneurs in Nepal and the Indonesian Embassy.

He encouraged Nepal to explore the Indonesian market for exports and promote tourism in both countries.

Ambassador Subolo highlighted Indonesia's economic significance, being the 16th largest economy in the world and the seventh largest in terms of GDP (PPP), with a GDP exceeding $1.3 trillion.

He mentioned Indonesia's large population and growing middle class as an opportunity for Nepal to establish economic relations and increase its promotion in Indonesia.

Furthermore, Ambassador Subolo mentioned that Indonesia is organising the 38th Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) from October 18 to 22, during which a special session of the 'Indonesia-Bangladesh-Nepal Business Forum' will be held, bringing together the entrepreneurs from the three countries.

Additionally, Ambassador Subolo and FNCCI President Dhakal discussed mutual interests in collaboration, business enhancement, and people-to-people relations.

Dhakal requested the ambassador's support in reinstating on-arrival visas for the Nepali travellers visiting Indonesia, which had been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak in 2020.

In response, Ambassador Subolo pledged to engage with the Indonesian government to explore the possibility of reinstating on-arrival visas for Nepali travellers. He also expressed his intent to support Nepal and Nepali businesses in exporting their goods to Indonesia.

A version of this article appears in the print on October 6, 2023, of The Himalayan Times