NCC delegation discusses trade and air services with Sri Lankan ambassador in Kathmandu
KATHMANDU: A delegation from Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) held talks with the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, Ruwanthi Delpitiya, on trade facilitation and the expansion of air services between the two countries.
The discussion, held in Kathmandu on Tuesday, centred on boosting tourism by facilitating trade and expanding air links, given the historical diplomatic, social, cultural and religious ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka.
NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal told Ambassador Delpitiya that annual trade between the two countries averages barely $2.5 million and that Nepal’s exports remain very low, with imports worth $1.4 million and exports only $700,000.
The chamber proposed measures to facilitate bilateral investment and trade in sectors such as agriculture and hydropower, information technology and digital trade, and physical infrastructure and construction. It also suggested bilateral meetings between NCC representatives and steps to increase tourist movement by expanding air services.
The NCC recommended operating a direct air service of at least one flight per week between Sri Lanka and Lumbini, saying this could attract Buddhist pilgrims from Sri Lanka to Nepal.
The chamber also requested visa-free entry for Nepali tourists visiting Sri Lanka. Ambassador Delpitiya said she is working on various options for trade promotion and facilitation and invited NCC officials to participate in an international trade fair to be held in Sri Lanka next June.
