The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal in association with the Nepal Council of World Affairs (NCWA) organized an event on “Promotion of Economic Cooperation between Sri Lanka and Nepal” at Hotel Shangri-La, Kathmandu on Sunday, 28 July 2019.
A large number of prominent Nepali importers, officials of Chambers of Commerce and Industries, representatives from Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA), Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), Ministry of Culture Tourism & Civil Aviation, former Ambassadors of Nepal to Sri Lanka and Travel Journalists participated in the event.
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal, Swarna Perera in her presentation highlighted Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, diverse history, vast array of architecture, golden beaches and natural beauty of the country. The Ambassador urged the Tour Operators of Nepal to encourage tourists to visit Sri Lanka by introducing tour packages as the country has returned to normalcy after the Easter Sunday attacks. Sri Lanka is safe for tourists, was the key message conveyed to the gathering. While speaking on trade and joint ventures, she described the vibrant business environment in Sri Lanka which ranked as the most liberalized economy in South Asia. Ambassador Perera emphasized on the necessity to put in more efforts to improve the current status of trade relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Presenting a paper on behalf of the Nepal Council of World Affairs, Dr. Posh Raj Pandey, Chairman of South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment pointed out the potential that exist to further strengthen economic relations, and added that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs should undertake promotional activities in Nepal.
Commenting on the papers presented by speakers, Dr. Bimal Koirala, former Chief Secretary of Nepal stressed the importance of having direct air connectivity between the two capitals to enhance economic cooperation.
The event especially focused on introducing Sri Lankan export products to the Nepali market and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination.
