Trilateral trade partnership for economic development: PM Dahal

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal pointed out the need for trilateral trade partnership to boost Nepal's economic development.

Inaugurating the 66th annual general meeting of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC)  here on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dahal said Nepal would benefit the most if trilateral trade partnership was established.

"Government is ready to revive sick industries. Power will be supplied to the new industries," he PM said, recalling that the Parliament passed a bill on strengthening financial sector.

Prime Minister Dahal further said he was continuously monitoring the national pride projects. According to him, the north-south roadway construction was prioritised to augment the trilateral trade partnership through airway, railway and roadway. PM assured that the opinions from private sector would be sought before taking any decision relating to economic sector.

On the occasion, NCC Chairman Rajesh Kaji Shrestha suggested the government to diminish import of petroleum products by increasing electricity generation. “Currently, the economic growth rate is below one percent, while more than one billion is spent annually to purchase petroleum products. So, time has come to bring the economic policy to rid country of this situation," Shrestha added.

Similarly, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chairman Pashupati Murarka said government should show similar activism for economic growth that it showed in electricity supply.

Chief Executive Officer at Nepal Electricity Authority, Kulman Ghising was honoured at the programme, while the Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award  was conferred on Laxmi Das Manandhar.