Kathmandu, February 11

The private sector has suggested Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to focus on improving relations with the southern neighbour and lure Indian investment into the country during his visit to India.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Oli and prominent ministers of his Cabinet today, the country’s business community has also recommended the prime minister to seek assurance of implementation of previous agreements such as Pancheswar Multipurpose Project to harness Nepal’s water resources for the benefit of both the nations and better utilisation of line of credit facility extended by India.

During the meeting, the business community also recommended ensuring trans-shipment facility for Nepal, free transit and consistent supply from India.

Prime Minister Oli had invited the private sector players for consultation on pertinent issues that need to be raised during his visit to the southern neighbour scheduled from February 19 to 24.

A 15-member team of the private sector will also be part of the PM’s delegation. PM Oli is also scheduled to visit the economic capital of India, Mumbai.

During the meeting with representatives of the umbrella organisations of the private sector namely, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Confederation of Nepalese Industries, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry at his official residence in Baluwatar today, PM Oli asked for an integrated proposal from the private sector.

“The government has also been identifying matters that need to be raised during my visit to India, and we will also integrate the proposal from the private sector during the talks,” Pashupati Murarka, president of FNCCI, quoted PM Oli as saying.

The prime minister told the private sector that his visit will be focused on improving and strengthening bilateral ties with India. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa, Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Commerce Minister Deepak Bohara, Industry Minister Som Prasad Pandey and high-level bureaucrats were also present during the meeting today.