20000128

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) is engaged in serious studies as to how to reach Nepalese market in a way that Pakistani goods do not become expensive, because of high rate of freight, in view of restrictions imposed by India on PakistanÕs exports to Nepal by land, sea and air.

Nepal with a population of 21.4 peoples can be a good market for Pakistani products such as rice, sugar, textile items, leather and electronics etc. The trade with Nepal (being a land-locked country) is to be routed through India since Pakistan has not been provided land excess to Nepal by India.

In this situation, there is no choice left but to send Pakistani consignments through Calcutta by sea for transshipment to Kathmandu by road or to send by air. In both cases the freight become very expensive and resultantly we do not remain competitive with India. The EPB has invited suggestions from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to meet this situation.

Meanwhile NepalÕs Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is organising an Export Promotion Meeting (EPM) from April 5-7, 2000 in Kathmandu. In conjunction with the Export Committee Meeting, Nepal trade fair is also being organised by Trade Promotion Centre from April 4-8, 2000 where a wide range of Nepalese products including services will be displayed.

The Secretary General of FNCCI has invited Pakistan to participate in these events of great importance. The EPM is a specialised meeting being organised in the beginning of the new millennium with a view to promoting NepalÕs export and promoting investment. Royal Nepalese Consul Generals/consuls, office-bearers of bi-national chambers of commerce and, friendship associations, importers, many local and foreign investors, prominent business leaders, representatives of diplomatic missions as well as senior government officials have confirmed their participation.