Kathmandu, July 25: Speakers at an interaction programme here on Friday have emphasized that the issues of bilateral/national interests should be kept at the centre for discussions to make the third meeting of Nepal-India Joint Commission a success.
During the interaction programme organized by the Reporters Club, the speakers said that the bilateral agreements can be inked on energy, infrastructure and trade sectors on equal status by keeping the national interests at the centre.
The Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting is being held in the capital on Saturday.
Economic advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr Chiranjibi Nepal said that the agreement should be in Nepal’s favour through economic diplomacy with emerging economic power without harbouring doubts on Indian assistance.
He said preparations were on to reach deals on hydropower, mid-hill highway, Kathmandu-Tarai fast track and Hulaki highway with India at the meeting.
Similarly, Dr. Nepal said that agreement would be made to increase Nepal’s agricultural productivity, reduce burgeoning trade imbalance and control illegal trades.
Also speaking at the programme, economist Prof Dr Bishwambhar Pyakurel said that economic agreement should done for Nepal’s prosperity to pave the way for new role after having a thorough study on previous records of agreements between Nepal and India.
He said the meeting should be utilized to focus on national interests by doing away with the doubts.
Likewise, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Pradip Jung Pandey said that agreement should be done on energy, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development adding that merely our internal resources would not suffice for Nepal’s economic prosperity.
Similarly, diplomat Bhim Udas was of the view that collaboration with India was needed for economic prosperity by keeping our independent existence and national security in centre.
Furthermore, civil society leader Dr Sundar Mani Dixit said that development with national pride and Nepal’s prosperity within that development should be sought while inking any deal with India.
