Kathmandu, March 25

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today sought enhanced market access through duty free and quota free provisions and simplified trade rules and procedures so that least developed and landlocked countries such as Nepal could also reap the benefits of globalisation.

Addressing the opening ceremony of Annual Boao Forum 2017 today, the PM termed globalisation as a force that had ‘brought fundamental transformations’ and ‘lifted millions out of poverty’.

The annual event is being held with the theme ‘Globalisation and Free Trade: The Asian Perspectives’ in Hainan Province, China, from March 23 to 26.

The PM stated that Asia, as a hub of trade and innovation, could play a vital role in promoting globalisation. Dahal also underlined that there were still many countries that felt marginalised. He added that Asia had a vital role to play in eliminating the atmosphere of uncertainty and cynicism and in dealing with ‘asymmetrical’ distribution as a result of globalisation.

In the context of countries such as Nepal, the PM said, “Enhanced market access through duty free and quota free provisions, streamlined and simplified rules and procedures, trade capacity building as well as trade facilitating measures, including smooth transit arrangements, would be essential to benefit from the globalisation phenomenon.”

He also urged the Asian business community to invest in various profitable sectors including hydropower, infrastructure development and tourism in Nepal. “We have a rich resource base. Many of the sectors are virgin in terms of investment and are equally profitable,” he added.

To materialise the Asian model of globalisation, we must build a cooperation model, which will enable free flow of ideas, unimpeded links of trade and an enduring instance of win-win situation, the PM suggested.

He underscored that the pursuit of globalisation should be for development, progress and prosperity through ‘greater connectivity, mobility and integration’.

He further said that all countries must strive for inclusion, not isolation; partnership, not protectionism; bridges, not barriers; and freedom while trading, not fear.

“To provide the anchor of stability in these uncertain times, Asia has an important role. To steer the raft of free trade, Asia has an undeniable onus,” he argued.

After addressing the Boao Forum, the PM left for the Chinese capital Beijing today itself. In Beijing, he is slated to call on President Xi Jinping and deliver a speech at a university gathering.