Infrastructure summit planned

Kathmandu, September 23:

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the umbrella organisation of Nepali private sector, organised a programme to bid farewell to Jawed Asraf, outgoing commercial counsellor of the Indian embassy and to welcome Harsh Kumar Jain, the new counsellor.

Speaking on the occasion, Chandi Raj Dhakal, president of FNCCI, said that Nepali and Indian private sector are planning to hold Infrastructure Summit for the infrast-ructure development that is a key to economic development. He was hopeful of support from Indian di-plomatic mission in this initiative.

Dhakal also said that destruction of Dohona River bridge in the national highway of West Bengal has halted all import and export activities leading to the closure of more than 80 per cent of the industries in the Eastern region in Nepal. “The industrial sector is losing Rs 150 million per day,” he said urging an alternate route for Nepal.

“Nepal’s trade deficit with India has been increasing in recent years due to various hurdles like four per cent ACD, which should be removed,” he said adding that Kakadvitta Phulbari-Bangalabandh road should also be upgraded for smooth Nepal-Bangladesh trade.

Ashraf replying to FNCCI’s concern said that India is positive towards Nepali demands and is looking into the issues.