Pokhara, December 26 :

Imtiyaz Ahmad, Bangladeshi envoy to Nepal, said that Ba-ngladesh is ready to allow Nepal use Mangala dry port.

Speaking at a programme organised by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) yesterday, he said that Bangladesh is also ready to provide 50 per cent concession, if Nepal wished to use Mangala dry port. He added that Bangladesh has already sent the proposal to Nepal Government. “Nepali vehicles will be allowed to ply from Banglabandh to Mangala port without any restrictions,” he added.

Nepal has presently been using Kolkata dry port of India for the import and export purpose. Envoy Ahmad said Mangala dry port will be more convenient for Nepal as it saves both time and expenses. “Nepal government and Nepali businessmen should take this opportunity and use Phulbari and Bangl-abandh dry ports,” he said adding that Nepal can save money, if Mangala dry port is used. He said although Bangladesh is a good market for Nepali products such as vegetables and fruits and other readymade food products, it could not be exploited due to lack of convenient and secure path. “Crushed stone is exported to Bangladesh from Nepal through Indian traders not through Nepali traders,” the envoy said.

He claimed that Bangladesh might invest in tourism, medicines and dairy industry in Nepal. “Bangladeshis, who were interested to invest in Nepali tourism industry, have returned empty-handed due to lack of appropriate law,” envoy Ahmad said urging Nepal government to make appropriate polices to attract them.