Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Czech Republic shows interest to boost investment in Nepal

KATHMANDU, May 8, 2012

Czech Republic has expressed interest to extend cooperation in establishment of automobile industries, cement factories and power generation plants in order to give a boost to Nepal´s industrial sector.

"We see the future of Nepal in the industrial sector," Jiri Janick, head of the commercial and economic section of Embassy of Czech Republic in India, said at an interaction on Monday. "Industries like automobile, equipment for power generation and cement plant among others can be viable in Nepal."

A visiting delegation of Czech Republic led by Miloslav Stašek, ambassador of the Czech Republic to Nepal, shared that Nepal´s economy can grow at a faster pace through the promotion of industrial sector. "Nepal and Czech Republic have vast scope for cooperation in areas such as trade, commerce and development," Stašek said. "We see distinct possibilities to cooperate in hydro power projects, automobile, waste management, water solution, tourism and services."

In addition to that, Confederation of Nepali Industries (CNI) and Confederation of Czech Industries (CCI) shall soon ink in a memorandum of understanding (MOU). "This will enable business communities of both countries to work together more closely," Stašek added. "The MoU will establish a formal relationship between businesspeople of two countries for further economic cooperation."

Narendra K Basnyat, senior vice-president of the CNI, which organized the interaction, said: "The government of Nepal is also committed to create business friendly environment by implementing new industrial policies and bringing new Industrial Enterprise Act to attract foreign direct investment."

The volume of trade between Czech Republic and Nepal has been increasing gradually but it is in favor of the Czech Republic, which exports automobile and electric equipments to the country. Nepal mainly exports goods such as readymade garment, handicrafts, hand-knotted woolen carpets, tea and medicinal herbs to the Czech Republic. Imports from the Czech Republic mainly constitute medicine and medical equipment, electrical goods, machinery and parts, glass beads, motor cars, bulldozer, crane and parts and foodstuffs.

Additionally, Czech Republic has shown keen interest to invest in joint ventures in Nepal in the areas of water resources, roads, food industry and construction.

Source: Republica

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