Chamber representatives from both countries have urged initiatives to promote tourism by collaborating in areas including direct air flights, free visas, agriculture, information technology, and physical infrastructure.
What you should know
Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal Ruwanthi Delpitiya have held discussions on trade facilitation and expansion of air services between the two countries. In the backdrop of historical diplomatic relations as well as social, cultural and religious ties between Nepal and Sri Lanka, discussions were held on the need for both countries to benefit in the tourism sector by facilitating trade and expanding air services.
Speaking to Ambassador Delpitiya, Chamber President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal said that the annual average trade volume between Nepal and Sri Lanka is only 2.5 million US dollars and Nepal's exports are very low. Chairman Agrawal said that Nepal is importing goods worth 1.40 million US dollars while exporting only 0.70 million US dollars.
The Chamber had proposed to the Ambassador to hold bilateral meetings between Chamber representatives of both countries, increase in tourist traffic by expanding air services, bilateral investment and trade facilitation in sectors such as agriculture and hydropower, information technology and digital trade, physical infrastructure and construction.
The Chamber believes that tourists can be attracted by operating at least one flight per week between Sri Lanka and Lumbini and Lumbini and Sri Lanka. Chairman Agrawal said that this can attract Buddhists from Sri Lanka to Nepal.
The Chamber has also urged Nepali tourists visiting Sri Lanka to arrange free visas. During the meeting with the Chamber officials, Ambassador Delpitiya said that he is taking initiatives for various options and trade facilitation for trade promotion with Nepal.
He urged the Chamber officials to participate in the international trade fair to be held in Sri Lanka in June.
