Kathmandu. Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Advisory Council Chairman and former President Rajesh Kaji Shrestha stressed on the need for the private sector to be more effective in connecting with the global market. He said this while addressing an interaction program on ‘Nepal’s current industry, trade and coordination with the international market: status, opportunities, challenges and future roadmap’ organized by Mahottari Chamber of Commerce as the chief guest.

Stating that Janakpur and Bardibas are among the important areas of the country in terms of economic, religious and cultural importance, he said this area has potential for development not only in terms of geography but also as it is connected by road from all four directions. Shedding light on the religious importance of the Janaki temple, he said that a large number of domestic and foreign pilgrims visit the temple. This, he said, is directly stimulating the local economy. Similarly, he said that the economic base of these sectors is mainly based on trade, industry and agriculture. “These three sectors are providing a strong foundation for local employment and overall economic activity,” he said.

He also pledged to import goods from India, China, Vietnam and facilitate wholesale trade and tourism attraction programs. Shrestha said that national economy could be strengthened through promotion of local production, increase in export, development of investment-friendly environment and expansion of entrepreneurship. “The role of the private sector should be more strong and dynamic to connect Nepal’s industry and trade to the world market in an effective manner,” he said, adding that the private sector is the backbone for economic development and sustainable prosperity is not possible without its empowerment. ‘

Stressing the need of ‘think global, act local’ concept into practice to connect Nepal’s potential with the international market, Shrestha stressed the need of coordination among private sector, government and policy mechanisms.

On the occasion, Mahottari Chamber of Commerce Chairman Sudhir Agrawal said that the chamber was continuously active to protect the interests of industrialists and entrepreneurs, improve business environment and strengthen local economic activities. He further said that industry, trade and employment opportunities could be increased by expanding collaboration between government bodies and private sector.

On the occasion, certificates were distributed to the executive committee members of Mahottari Chamber of Commerce. Discussions were held on the present economic situation, coordination with the international market, investment possibilities, business challenges and future opportunities in the district with the participation of industrialists, businessmen and stakeholders of the district.

The entrepreneurs who participated in the program suggested the government to pay attention to local industries, business-friendly policymaking, easy banking access, reform in tax system and industrial infrastructure development. The event provided an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to exchange important information on the economic situation and international business trends.