BSS-32 Nepalese envoy calls for exploring prospects in bilateral trade

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BSS-32

BD-NEPAL-TRADE (with picture)

Nepalese envoy calls for exploring prospects in bilateral trade

RANGPUR, Jan 26, 2019 (BSS) – Acting Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Dhan Bahadur Oli today called upon the business leaders of Bangladesh and Nepal to explore enormous prospects in bilateral trade and commerce.

“Both Bangladesh and Nepal are enjoying excellent historical, political, cultural and diplomatic relations and both nations are eager to further strengthen relations in bilateral trade and many other fields,” he said.

The Nepalese envoy said this at a discussion meeting arranged by Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) at its auditorium here. An 11-member Nepalese business delegation took part in the meeting.

Oli led the Nepalese business delegation in Rangpur to exchanging views with Bangladesh businesspersons to explore trade potentials in both countries for mutual benefits.

RCCI President Mostafa Sohrab Chowdhury Titu presided over the event, also participated by RCCI directors and executives, importers and exporters, industrialists and businesspersons.

Senior Vice-president of RCCI Mostoba Hossain Ripan delivered the welcome speech putting stress on enhancing bilateral trade between the two neighbours and removing some hurdles, including tariff barriers for Bangladeshi export goods.

“Improving infrastructures and establishing transshipment yard at Kakorvita land port in Nepal could ensure best use of the Banglabandha-Fulbari-Kakorvita route for export-import activities,” he said.

Ripan called for removing complexities in using corridor through India, establishing rail communication between Nepal and Bangladesh, air connectivity between Syedpur and Biratnagar airports and Nepalese Visa Centre at Rangpur to enhance bilateral trade.

Prominent importers and exporters Alhaj Mogreb Ali, Shah Enamur Rahman Prodhan, Alhaj Moyen Uddin and Humayun Kabir Saodagar discussed the prevailing huge prospects and some barriers in bilateral trade with Nepal.

Third Secretary at the Nepalese Embassy in Dhaka Anil Lamsal, Executive Member of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Premba Sherpa, President of Nepal Herbs and Herbal Products Govinda Ghimire and President of Federation of Women’s Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal Devika Budhathoki also spoke.

The Nepalese envoy said there is a huge market of wheat, ginger, spices, pulses and many other herbal products as well as hydroelectricity of Nepal in Bangladesh.

“Simultaneously, there is a huge demand for Bangladeshi products like raw materials for industries, chemical components, ready-made garments, jute and jute goods and foods and drinks in Nepal,” he said.

He said there is an ample scope to enhance bilateral trade and commerce and investments for geographical locations of Bangladesh and Nepal, friendly relations, investment-friendly and congenial environments in both countries. Oli also answered questions raised by journalists, local exporters and importers and investors on removing some barriers for enhancing bilateral trade between the two nations.

“We will raise the prevailing issues at the policy-making levels to resolve those and hope that the BBIN-member countries will enjoy free trade facilities like in the European Union after the BBIN agreement becomes fully effective,” Oli said.

The RCCI President said there is a brighter prospect in the bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Nepal and more steps should be taken to explore those potentials for mutual benefits of both nations.

BSS/MI/GA/1855 HRS.