A 45-member delegation, including 14 women, of the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) visited Kathmandu from August 17 to 20 and had fruitful discussions with representatives of the Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industry, Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Confederation of Nepalese Industry.
A meeting was organised with all Nepalese associations which was inaugurated by Nepal Minister for Industry, Commerce & Supply Dilendra Prasad Badu, who emphasised the need to strengthen the age-old trade, cultural, religious practices amongst the two countries and especially with Odisha where Nepal has religious connect too since long. He said Nepal offers huge investment opportunities no less than any other known business centre’s of the world.
He enumerated areas of collaboration such as hydroelectricity, green energy, agriculture, mining, tourism, healthcare, seafood and processed agro products, education and IT, SMEs and startups, skill development, telecommunication, archaeology and astronomy.
UCCI president Brahmananda Mishra acknowledged the developmental activities promoted by Nepal and policies changes brought about in FDI. He hoped such forward looking promotional actions would bring enthusiasm in Indian investors, particularly Odisha’s. He invited a Nepal Chamber delegation to Odisha. Referring to the proposed Make in Odisha event likely in November 2022, he invited a delegation from Nepal with Industry Minister and his team of officials to further cement the ties between Odisha and Nepal.
On the concluding day an MoU was signed between UCCI and Federation of Nepal Cottage & Small Industries for furthering the trade ties.
For this visit of UCCI delegation to Nepal, the Odisha Government had given a clearance.