MULTAN, July 7th: Ambassador of Nepal Sewa Lamsal Adhikari has urged the Pakistani businesspersons to invest in different sectors of Nepalese economy, particularly the hydro-power sector which had the potential to offer lucrative opportunities whereas major facilities are accorded to the investors in Nepal.She was addressing the member of Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry chaired by Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi here today. She was of the view that although the trade volume between Pakistan and Nepal was currently not at a satisfactory level, the situation could be improved as the two countries had tremendous potential in the areas of trade, tourism, investment and cultural promotion.She stressed on the exchange of business delegations for enhancing trade and promotion of investment opportunities between Nepal and Pakistan.She opined that agriculture and tourism were the main areas where both the countries could collaborate but the logistics issues, lack of communication and proper marketing were some hurdles to expansion of bilateral trade.Both sides discussed various proposals and suggestion for the promotion of bilateral trade and economic relations and agreed to enhance the interaction between the business community of both the countries by organizing the meeting of Joint Business Council; which were established in 1996, arranging of meetings at commercial level, formulation of trade delegation and participation in trade fairs reciprocally. He emphasized on the early conclusion of a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Nepal, in view of the geographically proximity the trade cost between both nations are very high.
The meeting was also attended by Khawaja Muhammad Yousaf, Senior Vice President Bakhtawar Tanvir Sheikh, Mrs.Sidra.Ms. Sewa Lamsal Adhikari emphasized the need for exchanging business delegations for enhancing trade and promotion of investment opportunities between Nepal and Pakistan and assured his full support in this regard. She further stated that agriculture and tourism are the main areas where both countries can collaborate. She further added that logistics issues, lack of communication and proper marketing are the main hurdles in the expansion of trade. Nepal is a landlocked country and it is difficult to transport freight. Moreover, she stated that the trade ties have a much higher chance of improving as both the countries are important members of the SAARC, share common international views and enjoy good relations and background. Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi stated that Pakistani products, particularly leather and leather goods, carpets, pharmaceuticals, textiles, pashmina lawn, textile made ups and allied products have great potential in Nepal which needs to be marketed properly. He further stated that Pakistan and Nepal have close and cordial relations but their trade relations do not reflect their friendship. The Vice President also informed that the numbers of Pakistani investors are interested to enter into the joint ventures with Nepalese investors.
