KATHMANDU: Newly appointed Nepali ambassador for South Africa Arun Dhital today assured the business community that his primary agenda is promotion of economic and commercial ties between Nepal and South Africa.

In a meeting with Nepal Chambers of Commerce (NCC) president Surendra Bir Malakar, ambassador Dhital said the government is serious about extending trade between the two countries which at present is non-existent.

NCC president Malakar pointed out that since the South African market is relatively new there are a lot of unexplored avenues. He added that the government should also work for the publicity of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 in South Africa.

NCC vice-president Rajendra Malla said that bilateral trade relations was a must to create demand for Nepali lokta paper and garments in South Africa.