Saturday, September 7, 2019

Nepal expects more Chinese investment : NCP chair Dahal

Chairperson of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged China to invest in Nepal.
Addressing second Nepal-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum 2019 – organised jointly by Embassy of Nepal in China and the Economic Joint Committee of China Commercial Stock Enterprises (EJCCCSE) – chairperson Dahal explained that Nepal boasts an investment-friendly atmosphere following political stability. “Nepal and Nepalis are expecting Chinese government, traders and investors to invest in Nepal as the country is in a campaign of socio-economic transformation,” he said, reiterating Nepal’s stand on One-China policy. “We are committed not to allow Nepali land against China.”
Speaking at the occasion, vice president Nanda Bahadur Pun stressed on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model that could help Nepal and China to develop infrastructure in Nepal. “We have adopted a policy of receiving FDI and have prioritised transportation and connectivity in which investors can invest,” he said, adding that Nepal is ready to carry out such projects in PPP model.
The programme also witnessed the chief ministers from seven provinces, leaders of various political parties and entrepreneurs.
The chief ministers, on the occasion, pitched investment prospects of their respective provinces to Chinese investors. Chief ministers of Province 1, Province 3, Gandaki, Province 5, Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces highlighted possible areas of investments in their respective provinces. They also highlighted projects related to agriculture, tourism, industry and hydropower projects in the provinces.
The chief minister of Province 3 Dor Mani Poudel, on the occasion, said that Nepal has emerged as a developing economy and one of the best countries to invest in. “Nepal encourages FDI both as joint venture operations with Nepali investors or as 100 per cent foreign-owned enterprises and public-private partnership as well,” he said, adding that Investment Board Nepal headed by the Prime Minister himself will facilitate the investors with all the help they need.
Speaking on the occasion, Nepali ambassador to China Leelamani Poudel informed the potential investors that Nepali Embassy has been discussion time and again on issues like policy continuity, simplified and well defined procedures and one-door system, hassle-free investment environment, predictable policy and legal regimes.
Likewise, deputy secretary general at EJCCCSE, Li Xuesong, on the occasion, talked about the possibility of establishing an industrial park in Chitwan. “We will introduce small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the international business center and open the market of Nepal and South Asia to the world,” he said, adding that establishment of industrial park is a necessity as Nepal’s industrial infrastructure is weak.
On the occasion, industry minister Matrika Prasad Yadav pledged all possible support of the government to projects like establishment of industrial park.
Likewise, tourism minister Yogesh Bhattarai, on the occasion, requested Chinese tourists to make Nepal a preferred destination for their major holidays.
The second edition of the forum has been organised with an aim of increasing Chinese investments in Nepal. Some 50 Chinese investors as well as chief ministers, and ministers participated in the programme. The first edition took place in Beijing in April during President Bidhya Devi Bhandari’s state visit to China.

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