UCPN Maoist vice chairperson Shrestha stresses development of agriculture, hydropower

KATHMANDU, JUL 06 - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said that Nepal has both opportunities and challenges for having economic development since it lies in between India and China, the emerging economic powers in the world.

Opening a day-long seminar on 'High Growth Trajectory in China and India: Opportunities and Challenges to Harness Potentials in Nepal', organised in the Capital on Friday by the Institute of Foreign Affairs, the foreign minister said the seminar will be focused on taking more and more benefit from the two close neighbours for the promotion of agricultural and hydropower sector.

Saying that the government had decided to observe the year 2012 as the Investment Year with a view to achieving economic and social development, DPM Shrestha hinted the possibility of bringing in scores of tourists from China and India during the Visit Lumbini Year 2012.

He further pledged to utilize the natural resources available in the country for the sake of nation's economic prosperity.

On the occasion, Minister Shrestha released a souvenir published by the institute.

Similarly, also speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yang Houlan stressed that Nepal should also take benefits from the increasing trade of China.

The Chinese Ambassador vowed to motivate the Chinese business community to invest in Nepal as well. RSS