12th January 2024, Kathmandu
The second meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Business Forum (JBF) concluded successfully on January 10, 2025, in Chandragiri, Kathmandu. Representatives from both nations participated in the forum, aimed at enhancing bilateral economic and trade relations.
Nepal-India JBF Addressing
Key Highlights of the Meeting
Delivering the welcome address, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), emphasized the immense economic potential between Nepal and India. He stressed the importance of policy reforms and practical solutions to resolve challenges and foster economic growth.
Focus Areas Discussed
The meeting focused on several critical areas, including:
Non-Tariff Barriers: Emphasis on resolving issues caused by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification process for Nepalese exports.
Connectivity Enhancements: Discussions on linking Indian cities with Gautam Buddha International Airport (Bhairahawa) and Pokhara International Airport.
Explosive Supply for Development: Highlighting the need for smoother supply chains for materials required for hydropower and infrastructure projects in Nepal.
Access to Indian Ports: Expansion of Nepal’s access to key Indian ports, including Mundra (Gujarat), Dhamra (Odisha), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai).
The forum also addressed topics such as trade, investment, energy, tourism, agriculture, information technology, and infrastructure development.
Agreements and Collaboration
The meeting resulted in agreements to:
Promote Clean Energy: Joint efforts in hydropower, solar, and wind projects to encourage renewable energy.
Enhance Tourism and Connectivity: Strengthen cross-border trade by improving road, rail, and air connectivity.
Facilitate Trade and Investment: Streamline procedures for cross-border investments, removing agricultural quotas, and providing high-quality seeds and advanced technology.
Research and Commercialization: Collaborate on medicinal plant research and commercialization.
Digital Technology and Startups: Support for innovation and entrepreneurship in digital technologies.
The outcomes of the meeting were officially handed over to the respective commerce secretaries: Sunil Barthwal from India and Govinda Bahadur Karki from Nepal. The handover was conducted by JBF Chairs Bhavani Rana and N. Sunil Kumar.
Interactions and Commitments
At the subsequent interaction program, key stakeholders shared their perspectives:
Damodar Bhandari, Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, highlighted India as Nepal’s largest trade partner. He called for the effective implementation of agreements to resolve import-export issues.
Govinda Bahadur Karki, Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, stressed the need for practical application of the discussions.
Sunil Barthwal, India’s Commerce Secretary, assured proactive measures to implement the agreed agenda.
Chandra Prasad Dhakal urged both nations to take decisive steps to materialize the agreements for mutual benefit.
Future Prospects
Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, described the meeting as pivotal for addressing economic issues, pledging to facilitate further cooperation. Bhavani Rana, Chairperson of JBF (Nepal), reiterated the vast potential for trade and investment between the two countries and emphasized the need for further facilitation.
N. Sunil Kumar, representing the Indian delegation, noted ongoing improvements in road, rail, and air connectivity, promising even greater ease of access in the future.
The forum concluded with an agreement to hold the next meeting in New Delhi, India.
Conclusion
The Nepal-India Joint Business Forum continues to play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. With commitments from both nations, the forum paves the way for improved economic collaboration, sustainable development, and mutual prosperity.
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