Communications Minister urges private sector to boost investment

KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has urged the private sector to play an effective role in promoting international trade and investment in the country.

At the 10th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal-Italy Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) held here Friday, Minister Sharma spoke about how the goods produced in Nepal can be brought to the world market and contribute to the economy by bringing in more foreign investment.

She said that the role of the private sector is important for promoting bilateral trade with various countries and increasing investment.

While recalling Italy’s assistance to Nepal in post-earthquake reconstruction, Communications Minister Sharma said that it is expected that a significant number of investors from Italy will participate in the international investment conference to be held here next month.

“Nepal is organizing an investment conference on 28 and 29 April. The amendment of more than a dozen laws is being ‘fast tracked’ to make it easier to bring in foreign investment. There is high possibility of investment in Nepal,” she said, adding that the government has prioritized investment in the information technology sector.

President of Nepal-Italy Chamber of Commerce Sanjay Agarwal said that the private sector will play a role in further increasing the economic and trade partnership between the two countries.

Agrawal said that if the private sector is trying to increase Nepal’s export trade and contribute to the country’s economy. He urged the government to support the private sector in this.

Consul General of Nepal to Italy Pratima Rana Pandey said that more initiatives are needed for trade and investment partnership between the two countries.