Kathmandu, Jan. 28: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ram Krishna Tamrakar today urged freight forwarders to forward the cargo in an efficient and smooth manner.

Addressing the second annual general meeting of Nepal Freight Forwarders Association (NEFFA), the Minister said the government would allow the private sector to handle the cargo through the Tribhuvan International airport (TIA) and the dry post constructed in Birgunj.

He further said the government has a special plan for the development of infrastructure necessary to help the freight forwarding profession.

He also asked the freight forwarders to extend co-operation to the government.

Speaking on the occasion, member of the National Planning Commission (NPC) Dr. Ramesh Ananda Vaidya said that the logistics industry need to be given priority for the economic development of the country.

Dr. Baidya also stressed on the need to bring about institutional and strategic changes for the promotion of the logistics industry.

He also said that Nepal’s export industry could be promoted in America and European countries through e-commerce.

R.M. Singh, the newly President of NEFFA, said the association has been working with various organisations like the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Central Carpet Industry Association and Pashmina and Handicraft Associations for the export of Nepalese products to the foreign countries.

Singh also asked the government to bring about positive changes in policies regarding transportation, roadways, railways, airlines, shipping lines, customs, warehouse and insurance to promote the freight forwarding business.

He said the frequent increase of prices of the petroleum products, demand for 10 per cent service charge by the hotel employees, strikes and bandhs have adversely affected the profession.

He hoped that Nepal’s trade would increase after the dry port at Birgunj comes into operation in March this year.

Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), drew the government’s attention towards the smooth functioning of the recently formed tariff board.

Shrestha further pointed out that the provision of keeping the cargo at the airport for 24 hours as cooling period has hampered the export business.

“The government has also to give priority to security and the use of efficient and modern technologies for the promotion of trade,” he said.

He also requested the government to make necessary arrangements to transport cargo to the airport during holidays and strikes.

Ravi Bhakta Shrestha, first Vice-President of FNCCI, said the Nepalese exporters and importers have been facing several problems at the Calcutta Port.

Shrestha asked the government to take immediate measures to solve the problems.

He also called upon the political parties need to give top priority to the economic issues in the Parliament for the economic development of the country.

Started with the theme “Challenge in logistic service: Role of NEFFA”, the annual general meeting also selected a 10-member executive body of NEFFA, re-electing R. M. Singh as the President.

Similarly, Dhruba Narayan Shrestha, Namgyal Lama and Sapan Kumar Dev as vice-president, general secretary and treasurer respectively. Other executive members of the body include Mahendra Man Shrestha, Raju Joshi, Raju Shrestha, Rameshwar KC, Prakash Singh Karki and Manoj Adhikari.