Promoting tourism KATHMANDU: West Bengal Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been formed to boost the tourism, trade and business of west Bengal region on April 4. According to a press release, the establishment of the organisation will promote trade, tourism and business in both Nepal and West Bengal.

Sanima, PNB deal KATHMANDU: Sanima Bikas Bank customers can now withdraw from 1,677 ATMs of Punjab National Bank (PNB) all over India as Sanima’s ATM cards are now operational at PNB also. “Sanima mobilised deposits of Rs 4.26 billion and grant loans and advances of Rs 3.81 billion as of mid-April,” said a press release. The bank posted a net profit of Rs 38.75 million during the same period.

NHMF opens branch KATHMANDU: Nepal Housing and Merchant Finance (NHMF) opened its second branch office at Banepa on Wednesday. The company has a total paid up capital of Rs 184.9 million and will open its third branch office at Bouddha, Tushal, on Friday.

Wheat output BHIMPHEDI: Wheat production in Makwanpur district has declined by 30 per cent this year due to the long drought. The production of improved variety of wheat in the district in the fiscal year 2008-09 was 27,895 metric tonnes only, according to the District Agricultural Development Office. The office said the total wheat production in the district this year declined by 14,700 metric tonnes. ---RSS

New trekking route MYAGDI: People of Ghar, Shikh and Narchyang of Maygdi district are engaged in building a new trekking route. The construction of the route to link Ghar to Kunjo of Mustang district via Shikh, Narchyang, Paudwar, Khopra, Annapurna Base Camp, Nilgiri Base Camp and Punhil began at the initiative of the locals and the tourism entrepreneurs. — RSS