NBCCI HOLDS ITS 11 TH AGM
The Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI) held its 11 th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 12 in Kathmandu .
The bi-national chamber formed to enhance trade and business ties between Nepal and Britain is one the most active promoters of foreign investment and advocate of pro-business environment in the country. The NBCCI regularly holds various interactions and talk programs on relevant topics with the objective of promoting business environment in the country.
Speaking at the AGM session, British ambassador to Nepal Andrew Hall stressed that establishment of political stability is the key thing for ushering in economic development and investment.
"Provided political stability and end to conflict, I will be in a position to recommend investment here," Hall said. He added that the British government stands ready to assist Nepal in the current peace process.
The British envoy also pointed out some potential areas for enhancing trade and investment ties between the two countries. "Tourism is one of them with enormous potential. We are interested in helping develop infrastructures and provide technical support," he said, adding, "(On your part), you can focus on (exporting) medicinal herbs or floriculture/horticulture products."
Addressing the AGM, NBCCI president Mahendra Krishna Shrestha stressed the need for industrial security and requested all stakeholders to work towards creating a congenial environment for business to operate and grow. “It is in the interest of Nepal and the Nepalese, that business is allowed to flourish; only a strong economy can pave the way for building a strong nation. All stakeholders must work towards creating a congenial environment for businesses to operate and grow, so that more employment opportunities can be generated and the economy becomes more vibrant. This is a matter of compulsion, and not, a matter of choice.”
Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Bharat Bahadur Thapa said the government was fully committed towards enhancing economic reforms. He urged investors to take advantage of Nepal 's geographical proximity with India and China . Thapa said the government was fully committed to provide a safe industrial climate for the businesses in the country.
EARTHQUAKE SAFETY DAY
In memory of the big earthquake that rocked Nepal and parts of India in 1934, the country observed the National Earthquake Day on Magh 2 (January 15).
The day was observed with the objective of generating mass public awareness about the hazards of earthquake. The Earthquake Safety Day National Committee organized various programs to mark this day.
Home Minister Krishna Sitaula delivered special message on the occasion. A memorial function was held at Bhugol Park in New Road – which was erected in memory of those who died during the great quake.
Kishore Thapa, coordinator of the committee and director general of Urban Development and Building Construction Department, said that a number of programs were held to spread the message of awareness.
It is said that since Nepal lies in an active seismic belt, big earthquakes regularly hit this region. Experts have warned that any big quake like in 1934 could trigger mass destruction, particularly in crowded cities like Kathmandu .
Estimates have indicated that tens of thousands of people could die in Kathmandu alone if a mega quake is to hit now. The haphazardly constructed buildings, poor infrastructure and facilities, and next to non existent awareness about safety has caused concerns to the experts.
Very few buildings in Kathmandu can withstand tremor above 8 richter scale. Since Nepal lies in the Himalayan region – which itself is the product of complex geographic phenomenon whereupon the Indian plate is constantly pushing into Tibetan plate – and thereby increasing the height of Himalayan mountains – this area is said to be prone to tectonic shifts, that can trigger massive quakes in regular interval.
