NAFTA, NCC hold discussion on business outlook

KATHMANDU: Officials from Nepal Foreign Trade Association (NAFTA) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) held a discussion today about the business situation, future prospects and matters of mutual interest.

The programme, organised at the NAFTA secretariat, was attended by NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, Vice President Santosh Kumar Pandey and Honorary Vice President Arjun Prasad Sharma, NAFTA President Shiv Kumar Agrawal and other executive committee members of NAFTA.

Speaking at the event, NAFTA President Shiv Kumar Agrawal said the NCC and NAFTA are organisations with histories of 75 and 50 years respectively, and since their concerns are almost identical, NAFTA aims to move forward through cooperation. He added that NAFTA is working to boost the morale of its members during this time of uncertainty among entrepreneurs and that cooperation with private sector organisations like the NCC would provide positive energy to the business community.

He said that, since the NCC is one of the most influential organisations in the private sector, other associations should learn from the NCC and move forward, while the NCC should provide guidance.

During the discussion, NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal urged businesspeople to seize current opportunities. He said, “Investment should be made in such challenging times. Businesspeople should seek opportunities within challenges, as opportunities exist within challenges. Those who dare to invest now will achieve success.”

He added, “Currently, there is plenty of liquidity in banks. They are ready to provide loans. Those who work by taking loans at low interest rates at this time will get good returns.”

The NCC President also said the chamber is ready to work hand‑in‑hand with other private sector associations and outlined various dimensions of the NCC movement.