PM calls upon Indian traders to reduce trade imbalance From Lok Deep Thapa

New Delhi, March 22: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged the business community to take a lead in strengthening and enhancing the bilateral economic relations between Nepal and India.

Speaking at an inter-active meeting and luncheon, jointly hosted in his honour by the Confederation of the Indian Industries (CII) and the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Nepalese Prime Minister said the government is ready to play a ‘catalytic role’ to ensure that there is collective effort to enhance competitiveness as well as the flow of trade between the two close neighbours.

Recalling that the bilateral Treaty of Trade had been recently renewed, Prime Minister Deuba informed the leaders of the Indian trade and industry sector that some of the concerns raised by the Indian side regarding the execution of the Treaty had been addressed in the course of its renewal. Deuba thanked both the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and also the CII for contributing significantly in expediting the renewal of the Treaty and also in providing valuable suggestions.

Pointing out that the private sector today is the engine of growth, Premier Deuba expressed confidence that the consolidation of this sector would result in a high growth rate, more employment and higher incomes to the working people as well.

Talking about the huge deficit that exists in Nepal’s trade with India, the Nepalese Prime Minister said he wants to see this gap narrowed down as soon as possible. For this to happen, he called upon all business and industrial leaders of India to join hands with their Nepalese counterparts to create a business atmosphere in which both sides would benefit. "In an era of unprecedented globalisation and liberalisation all over the world, I hardly need to reiterate here that we need to be efficient, competitive and quality producers to grow and prosper," Deuba reminded.

Expressing happiness that there has been an increase in Indian investments in Nepal, the Prime Minister promised that His Majesty’s Government will do everything possible to further attract such investments.

He appreciated the fact that by progressively increasing the level of direct rupee investment and by instituting a ‘fast-track approach’ to the processing of applications for investments in Nepal, the government of India has been contributing in Nepal’s quest to draw more Indian investment. "This will surely help in the industrialisation process of Nepal," he said.

Revealing that the Nepalese government has adopted a new hydropower policy which encourages and facilitates investment in hydropower development under public- private and joint venture initiatives, Prime Minister Deuba urged the Indian investors to take advantage of this new and friendly policy.

Prime Minister Deuba also took the opportunity to tell the Indian business and trade leaders in the sectors like tourism, information technology, agro-enterprises (floriculture and sericulture), pharmaceuticals and energy-intensive industries to be some of the areas that have tremendous growth possibilities in Nepal. "We invite and encourage you all to ensure a win-win situation where both countries progress and enjoy prosperity together," he added.

When asked what the Nepalese government was doing to further encourage foreign investment, Prime Minister Deuba replied that more legislations were being prepared to facilitate investment and an Investment Board had been constituted under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister to look into problems that may crop up in the course of foreign investments. "The Board can directly solve such problems," he informed.

Earlier, welcoming the distinguished guest from Nepal, vice-president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Y.K. Modi expressed happiness that the trade treaty between Nepal and India has been renewed with some amendments. "The Treaty in its present form will ensure sustainable economic development and industrialisation of both Nepal and India," he opined.

Minister for Industry and Commerce Purna Bahadur Khadka, other high-ranking members of the Nepalese delegation, Nepalese and Indian businessmen and industrialists were present at the fully packed auditorium where the interaction programme took place.

20 terrorists killed in army operation

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Mar. 22: Twenty terrorists were killed and two others injured in security operations in different parts of the country on Thursday.

Six terrorists were killed in Bijaura of Surkhet, four in Naudanda of Syangja, and three in Tambubesi of Sankhuwasabha, according to the Defence Ministry.

Those killed in Naudanda included platoon member "Ujjwal" of the so-called militia group of Kaski district and district committee member "Nishan" and area members "Biplav" and "Sarala" of Parbat district.

During their search operations, security forces killed two terrorists in Bawanidanda of Palpa and four in Hwanma of Rolpa. Two terrorists were arrested in Bijaura during the operations.

One terrorist was killed in an encounter with the security forces in Bhoje of Lamjung on Wednesday, the Ministry said. The forces arrested one terrorist there and are carrying out necessary investigations.

Meanwhile, an assistant sub-inspector was injured when a patrolling team of the police was attacked by terrorists in Bungchung of Dhading yesterday. An extensive search for the terrorists is underway.

Security forces have seized large amounts of weapons, explosives, grenades, detonators and bullets from Bijaura of Surkhet during their search operations this morning.

Likewise, the forces have recovered guns, socket bombs, socket grenades, bullets of 12-bore guns, safety fuse, ambush equipment and combat dresses, among other things, from Naudanda of Syangja. Socket bombs, combat dresses, and police uniforms looted by the terrorists in the past were recovered from Tambubesi of Sankhuwasabha.

On Thursday, security forces recovered a bagful of socket bombs from Bijaura of Surkhet and guns and other weapons from Bhawanidanda of Palpa and Hwanma of Rolpa.

Eight guns were seized in Majhfal of Dolpa, large amounts of local weapons in Jaljala of Sankhuwasabha and foodgrains in Khandbari of the same district. The security forces distributed the seized foodgrains to people living in the Manakamana temple neighbourhood.

In an incident in Siraha yesterday, Dev Nath Yadav of Khurkiya village was brutally beaten up and thrown into a pond. Yadav is in a critical condition, the Minstry statement said.

Likewise, terrorists maimed Sher Bahadur Thapa of a village in Ramechhap. He is now undergoing treatment at the Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.

Bhandari inaugurates TB archive and website

By A Staff Reporter

Bhaktapur, March 22: Health Minister Sarat Singh Bhandari today inaugurated a Tuberculosis Archive and Website at the National Tuberculosis Centre (NTC), Thimi, amidst a special function today.

The Archive that houses advanced medical equipment and machines is the first of its kind in the world, according to NTC director Dr Dirgha Singh Bam. He said that it could be a centre for study and research on TB for medical practitioners and students from in and outside the country.

Speaking at the programme entitled ‘Role of Media to Control TB,’ Minister Bhandari said that awareness and education are key to fighting TB. "Until we root out the widespread ignorance and superstitions about the disease, we cannot succeed in the mission."

The function was jointly organised by the Society of Health Journalists (SHJ) and the NTC.

Bhandari further noted that the health workers should first identify the problems and the target group and then take the necessary steps. He also said that Nepal’s effort to control TB was a model in Asia.

On the occasion, Dr Bam expressed the view that all, including health workers, people’s representatives, political workers and civil society, must contribute from their respective part to fight the global endemic.

TB, which claims the lives of millions of people worldwide, kills eight to eleven thousand people annually in Nepal. There are about 80, 000 active TB affected persons in the country and annually it affects about 44,000 new people.

Experts say that regular medication can cure the disease. They stress that political commitment, standard sputum test, regular treatment under the DOTS programme and regular supply of medicines, equipment and monitoring among other things are vital for controlling the disease.

Dr. Sashikant Jha of the NTC and SHJ president Bhakta Bahdur Thapa also expressed their views at the programme.

India to assist in equipment, training to combat Maoists

Kathmandu, Mar. 22 (RSS): Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said we have supported, and will cominue to support the government of Nepal for the steps taken by it to maintain peace and security in the country.

In his opening statement at the India-Nepal delegation level talks held at Hyderabad house in New Delhi Thursday Vajpayee said, "we have condemned the widespread attack by the maoists in Nepal, adding, we will also continue to extend assitance in equipment and training, as desired by Nepal.

"Our two governments have consistently expressed their determination not to allow their respective territories to be used for activities against the interests of the other", he said. He reiterated that we will work with Nepal to prevent the misuse of the open border by terrorists and criminals, including those belonging to third countries. We have developed cooperation between our Home Ministers and at the local level. We are willing to extend the cooperation between our law enforcement agencies for better information exchange and intelligence sharing," he said. "An early conclusion of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty would also be very important for this".

Stating that the revised Trade treaty would promote industrial development in Nepal and facilitate further expansion of the ties, he said the renewed Trade Treaty should clear the way for new indian investment initiatives. An early finalization of a bilateral treaty on investment promotion and protection would further encourage this.

Pointing out that India remains committed to continuing its association with the development efforts of Nepal, he said the projects on the anvil include the expansion of bir hospital, the Mahendranagar-Tanakpur link road, an optical fibre cable network, and an institute for information technology. We are also committed to a grant of 800 million Nepali rupees over two years for development projects in the social sectors including health, education and rural development, he said. "It is important to ensure that systemic hurdles do not delay the implementation of these projects".

Observing that both governments recognize the economic potential for cooperation in water resources, he said we should focus on completing the joint DPR of the Pancheshwar project and chart out action for early commencement of work on the project.

The two governments have directed their foreign secretaries to review all aspects of our bilateral relations, including the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty, and they have held one round of discussions and can continue discussions on the perceptions, concerns and interests of both sides, he said.

The two countries have been working towards a scientifically demarcated and clearly understood alignment of our boundary, he said and expressed confidence that the joint technical committee on the boundary will complete its mandated task by 2003-04.

"We are aware that Nepal is keen to conclude the bilateral agreement for operationalising the Raxaul-Birgunj railway link and the inland container depot at Birgunj", he said and spoke of readiness to work with Nepal for its early conclusion. He also called for early conclusion of bilateral motor vehicular agreement to improve travel and transport facilities between the two countries.

He mentioned that a number of other cooperation initiatives have been discussed at various levels during Prime Minister Deuba’s visit, and said shared interests and common goals of development dictate the directions of future cooperation to mutual benefit.

India benefits by the growth of its neighbours: Vajpayee

New Delhi, Mar. 22 (RSS): Prime Minister of India Atal Behari Vajpayee has pledged continued support to His Majesty’s Government to maintain peace and security in the country .

The Indian Prime Minister made this remark at the banquet hosted here Thursday in honour of visiting Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.

We are confident that Nepal’s democratic polity has the resilience and maturity to accommodate divergent political opinions even while presenting a united front to the grave threat posed by extremism and destructive violence, he said.

We have recently witnessed some extraordinary global repercussions of the actions of international terrorism and both India and Nepal have experienced the unfortunate ravages of terrorist attacks, the Indian Prime Minister said. We in India are therefore fully with Nepal in its present confrontation with extremists, who seek to subvert the political system through violence and intimidation.

We have always categorically rejected the use of violence for realising political or ideological goals, he reiterated.

The agreement in science and techlonogy signed on Thursday can add a new dimension to our joint efforts, he said adding, other areas in human resource development should also be pursued vigorously.

India has been offering scholarships to Nepalese students to study in Indian Universities and other educational institutions. We are now proposing to offer 50 scholarships to economically disadvantaged Nepalese students for pursuing their studies in Nepalese Institutions,he said.

The historic Mahakali Treaty- which was signed during Prime Minister Deuba’s 1996 visit to India- can radically transform the socio-economic conditions of our peoples, he said.

After some initial hurdles, progress on the Pancheshwar project has improved recently, he said and hoped this renewed momentum will be sustained. We can also move forward on other water resources projects- small, medium and large- in a manner that satisfies the social and economic aspirations of both our peoples, he further added.

India-Nepal relations have their origins- and draw their sustenance- from the historical, geographical and cultural links between the two countries. The fundamental interest of our peoples lead us to further strengthen our bonds of friendship, understanding and co-operative ties, he observed.

Our bilateral relations span a wide spectrum. There has been a substantial growth in bilateral trade, with Nepal’s exports to India multiplying rapidly in recent years, he said. Further that Indian investment in Nepal has also risen sharply. The recent renewal of the India-Nepal Trade Treaty for a further five years will fuel a further growth in trade and promote the industrial development of Nepal.

We firmly believe that development of a country does not flourish in isolation. The progress of India and of its people would be benefited by the growth and development of its neighbours. We therefore wish Nepal well and would like to see it grow stronger, more stable and more prosperous, he said.

It is in this spirit that India has been pursuing bilateral cooperation over the past decades, for the socio-cconomic development of Nepal. We have completed several projects in infrastructure, health, community development and education, he said.

We will continue our association with Nepal’s development efforts, he said adding, a number of new projects- in the economic and social sectors- are on the anvil.

We are aware that the porous India-Nepal border facilitates economic exchanges and social interactions, but is also exploited by enemies of our societies for their disruptive actions. Our Home Ministries are already in regular touch to counter such threats, he said.

We are prepared to go further and to establish institutional mechanisms of cooperation, intelligence sharing and information exchanges between our security and law enforcement agencies along our borders. This would ensure that no inimical elements can use the territory of either one of our countries to cause harm in the other country, he also said.

As chair of SAARC, Nepal can play a dynamic role for progress in crucial areas such as regional free trade and poverty alleviation. India will extend its fullest cooperation. In other multilateral Fora, we can work together on issues affecting us both as developing countries, he said.

Prime Minister Deuba’s visit here at this stage has therefore strengthened mutual understanding and contributed significantly to the consolidation and diversification of our multi-faceted ties of cooperation. We will continue to build on this progress, Vajpayee concluded.

FNCCI delegates meet Indian ministers

Kathmandu, Mar. 22 (RSS): The delegation of Nepalese industrialists and businessmen led by president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, FNCCI , Rabi Bhakta Shrestha which is accompanying the entourage of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba met with Indian Agriculture Minister Ajit Singh today.

On the occasion, extensive discussions were held on the provision of acquiring certificates only from Panitanki, India for quarantine while exporting agro products to India from Nepal and lack of laboratory at the border customs for the export of medicinal products under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

During the meeting, he assured that efforts will be made to remove the existing difficulties and problems by taking the problems raised by the delegation positively.

The delegation also met with Indian Commerce Minister Murasoli Maran.

During the meeting, while welcoming the Nepal- India Trade Treaty both sides expressed the confidence that it will benefit both countries.

On the occasion, extensive discussions were held on improving Nepal’s trade deficit, attracting Indian investment and controlling state level taxes and, quarantine.

Similarly, the delegation led by FNCCI president Shrestha also called on Indian Minister for Civil Aviation Saiyed Shahanbaj Hussen, yesterday.

On the occasion, extensive discussions were held on possible Indian cooperation for the development of Nepal’s Tourism and Civil Aviation.

Indian Minister Hussen assured that India will allow Nepal’s private sector to operate flights to Indian destinations.

The delegation also met with the FICCI president R. S. Lodha and other officials at the FICCI secretariat.

During the meeting, discussions were held on extending relations between FNCCI and FICCI, work done by both organisations and areas to be extended in future for developing other relations.

Views expressed on constitutional amendment

Kathmandu, Mar. 22 (RSS): At a time when there is a debate going on over constitutional amendments in the country, leaders of some of the country’s prominent political parties have expressed the view that a process of national dialogue should be initiated on the issue and the amendment to the Constitution should be done in such a way that it will be able to address the existing problems in the country.

They are of the view that the constitutional amendment should be able to play a positive role in strengthening the demoratic system of governance and establishing rule of law in the country by eliminating the anomalies, aberrations and irregularities seen in the couse of governance during the past 12 years.

Representatives of political parties who attended an interaction on constitutional amendment organized by the Appellate Court Bar Association here today stressed that the constitution should be amended in such a way that it represents the collective will of the people and establishes their rights.

Central member of the Nepali Congress Narahari Acharya remarked that although the constitution has set certain limitations regarding the process of constitutional amendment by stating that the amendment should not be in contravention of the spirit of the preamble, the people’s representatives could make reforms in the constitution taking into account the parliamentary system and the Constitutional Monarchy.

CPN-UML central member K. P. Sharma Oli observed that the constitution has given the power of making amendments to the constitution to the people’s representatives, pointing out that it is necessary to make timely reforms in the constitution as it is the main law of the land.

Vice-chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani spoke of the need, first of all, to set out in clear terms the necesity of constitutional amendment and the overall basis for such reforms.

He also reiterated that a debate should be initiated at the national level in that regard with the full participation of the people.

Nawa Raj Subedi of the National People’s Front remarked that the constitutional amendment should not be done at the wish of a few limited political parties, it should be done with the total involvement of the people at the national level.

Hridayesh Tripathi of Nepal Sadbhavana Party demanded that the amendment to the constitution should be made in a way that reflects the interests and aspirations of the different nationalities and ethnic groups in the country.

The amendment process should be moved ahead so that it will help in resolving the citizenship problem, he stressed.

President of Nepal Bar Association Sindhunath Pyakurel also expressed his views at the programme presided over by president of the Appellate Court Bar Association Bishwa Prakash Sigdel.

His Majesty felicitates

Kathmandu, Mar. 23 (RSS): His Majesty the King has extended cordial felicitations to General Pervez Musharraf, president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan.

In a message, His Majesty expressed best wishes for the president’s personal health and happiness as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

His Majesty expressed confidence that the friendly relations between the two countries will grow further in the years to come.

Congratulations

Kathmandu, Mar. 23 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has extended sincere congratulations to General Pervez Musharraf, president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan.

In a message, Prime Minister Deuba has expressed best wishes for President Musharraf’s good health and happiness as well as for the progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

Congratulations

Kathmandu, Mar. 23 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has extended sincere congratulations to General Pervez Musharraf, president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan.

In a message, Prime Minister Deuba has expressed best wishes for President Musharraf’s good health and happiness as well as for the progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

Congratulations

Kathmandu, Mar. 23 (RSS): Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has extended sincere congratulations to General Pervez Musharraf, president of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on the occasion of the National Day of Pakistan.

In a message, Prime Minister Deuba has expressed best wishes for President Musharraf’s good health and happiness as well as for the progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

All issues of concern raised with India: PM

Kathmandu, Mar. 22: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that all issues of concern to Nepal have been raised firmly with India.

Prime Minister Deuba, who is on a goodwill official visit of India, made it clear in a brief interview to Nepal Television in New Delhi today that foreign troops would not be brought into Nepal in connection with security.

He said Nepal’s views on Kalapani, the border problem, the problem of inundation in Nepalese territory caused by embankments built on the Indian side, the dry port and the problem of terrorism had been put forth clearly.

Stating that India had a positive approach on the terrorist problem, Prime Minister Deuba said he was assured that there will be full cooperation from India on stopping smuggling of weapons and explosives and terrorists entering Nepal from India via the Nepal India border or entering India after coming from elsewhere.

In response to a question as to how the talks with the Indian Prime Minister went, Deuba said the attitude of Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee was very positive towards Nepal and he assured all possible help for Nepal.