In an exclusive interview, the Nepalese Charge d'affaires, D.P. Bhandari, revealed that Nepal may join the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline to meet its rising domestic energy demand. Bhandari added that Nepal is being selected as a venue for most of the regional and international meetings, seminars, workshops because of its visitor-friendly visa policy. He said that Nepal has declared 2011 as Year of Tourism with a target of one million tourists.
BR: What are your views on regional trade?
DPB: We are SAARC members however Nepal is also looking at the Turkmenistan Afghanistan Pakistan India (TAPI) gas pipeline with great interest. If the pipeline comes to India we may like to participate to meet our growing demand for energy by our developing industrial sector. In addition the recent Afghan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement allowing Indian goods to be exported to Afghanistan through Wahgah border may also open a land route for Nepalese products to Afghanistan and Central Asian Republics.
BR: What is Nepal's major industry?
DPB: Tourism is our major source of foreign currency earning. We have manufacturing, energy-based, agro and forest-based, mineral and construction industries. Service industry has a very good prospect in Nepal. To boost our tourism industry the year 2011 has been declared as 'Nepal Tourism Year'. We have set a target of at least one million tourists. As a result of internal political disturbances, the industry suffered for ten years from 1996 to 2006. However, significant growth in tourism industry has been recorded since 2007 particularly after the introduction of new tourism policy which was unveiled in 2008. We are celebrating 'Nepal Tourism Year' inspired by our own experience of 1998 when we celebrated the year as 'Visit Nepal Year 1998'.
Nepal is best known for its adventure tourism. Normally visitors come to take part in adventure activities. Mountaineering, trekking, rafting, para-gliding, Jungle Safari and various other festivals are some important attractions for the tourists. It is the best destination for pleasure seekers and holiday goers. Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Inter-faith harmony, peace and tolerance are the hallmarks of Nepali society.
BR: Is it easy to get a visa for Nepal?
DPB: Yes. You can get a visa within 24 hours from our Embassy and also from our Honorary Consulate General. Our visa fee is also minimum and tourist visas we issue carry multiple entry. We also have a system to provide 'upon arrival visa' at the immigration entry points if the visitors are unable to apply for the visa in their country of origin due to non-existence of Nepalese diplomatic mission. No visa fee shall be applicable to the passport holder of member country of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) for 30 days in one visa year.
BR: What is the volume of trade between Nepal and Pakistan?
DPB: The volume of trade between Pakistan and Nepal is negligible ie 0.2 percent of Nepal's total trade or $1million in 2009-10. Nepal's total international trade stood at $6billion. Trade within Saarc countries is five percent of their total trade. There is a massive potential for trade expansion within the Saarc. The trade in services is new development in this direction. We need to encourage private sector's involvement in regional development initiatives through incentives within the Saarc countries. Public Private partnership is a good approach towards this direction.
BR: Is there any bilateral business agreement between Pakistan and Nepal?
DPB: There is a Nepal-Pakistan Trade Agreement, a Joint Economic Commission and frequent interaction between business associations of the two countries would be helpful in further promoting relations between the two countries. There is a Joint Business Council between FPCCI of Pakistan and FNCCI of Nepal .Nepal-Pakistan Tourism Co-operation Agreement was signed in early 2009 with a view to promote relations in the field of tourism. The Safta is expected to make significant contribution in bolstering trade relations between Nepal and Pakistan along with other members of Saarc.
BR: What are the major importable items from Pakistan to Nepal?
DPB: Nepal imports surgical items, sports goods, medical items, cotton yarn, foot ware, leather products and other items from Pakistan. Similarly, in 2008-09, Pakistan was also one of the major importers of Nepalese woolen and Pashmina shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils and the like. Nepal also exported a good quantity of large cardamom to Pakistan in that year. Nepal can export medicinal herbs, handicrafts, Nepali papers products, tea, etc to Pakistan. The trade exhibitions and exchange of trade delegations between Nepal and Pakistan would give further momentum to our bilateral trade relations.
BR: What kind of tax incentives have been given to foreign investors?
DPB: Our tax is minimum in the Saarc region. There are number of provisions with regard to providing incentives and facilities stipulated in our Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act and Industrial Enterprises Act 1992 .They are given on various stages ranging from repatriation of the income from the investment ,importing raw materials, use of technology, selling of their products in foreign currency and selling in the Export Promotion House. There is royalty facility for generation of electricity needed for the industry. Special concessions and incentives are devised for the industry established in remote areas. Use of environment friendly technology in the production of the goods, use of specified raw materials, packing materials, quality and specified types of products are also criteria to get incentives. There are many other provisions of incentives and facilities stipulated in the aforesaid legislations.
BR: Nepal is accused of allowing the presence of Pakistani intelligence services by India. Your comments?
DPB: Nepal does not allow any country to use its territory for any kind of subversive activity against its neighbouring countries.
BR: What contribution Nepal has made for the flood victims of Pakistan?
DPB: On behalf of people of Nepal, government donated ten million Nepali rupees to the flood victims of Pakistan in 2010 as token of our assistance.
BR: How many Nepalese students are enrolled in Pakistan?
DPB: Almost 200 students are enrolled in various subjects. Most of them are in the field of engineering and medical universities at Lahore Karachi, Multan, Quetta, Nawabshah, Islamabad, Faisalabad and other cities of Pakistan. Majority of Nepalese students are financing their education themselves while some are on scholarships offered by the government of Pakistan.
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