IBN seeks EoI for feasibility study
Kathmandu, May 23
The Investment Board Nepal (IBN) has called for the expression of interest (EoI) from interested consulting firms to conduct a study on the feasibility of constructing a glass manufacturing unit in the country. The glass plant will be developed and operated through either public-private partnership (PPP) or private investment model.
Publishing a notice on Tuesday, IBN said that experienced, eligible and willing consulting firms, either alone or as a joint-venture, can submit their EoI for the given purpose.
“The consultant shall conduct the study and provide the feasibility study report and other documents as per the terms of reference (ToR) of the project within the specified time,” reads the IBN notice. However, IBN has clarified that no consultant, either solely or as a part of a consortium, shall be represented in more than one EoI submission.
Similarly, there is a provision which states that the maximum number of firms in a joint-venture shall not exceed three.
As per IBN, the feasibility study will be funded by the government.
Along with the glass manufacturing unit, IBN has also sought EoI to carry out a feasibility study for the construction of Shey-Phoksundo Luxury Resort and a ski resort in Manang.
Uttam Bhakta Wagle, spokesperson for IBN, said that the government is keen on opening a glass manufacturing unit in the country itself, especially in the backdrop of Nepal solely relying on imported glass to cater the country's demand.
“If we are able to set up a glass plant in Nepal, it will reduce the import of foreign glass and help Nepal narrow down the widening trade deficit,” said Wagle.
According to statistics of Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Nepal imported glassware, including glass sheets worth Rs 4.5 billion in the first nine months of the ongoing fiscal year.