Kathmandu, Feb. 28: Though Nepal has trade agreement with 18 countries, it has been conducting trade with 82 countries, it is learnt from the Ministry of Commerce.
Nepal’s trade was only with Tibet and India fifty years back.
Minister for Commerce Ram Krishna Tamrakar, looking back at the situation of the past, exudes confidence that the foreign trade of the country will go on increasing.
Nepal’s export to India after the restoration of democracy has been found to be increasing as compared to the earlier years.
The minister attributes this growth to the trade treaty signed with India in 2053.
The treaty has provided easy access of the Nepalese products to markets in India. According to the data of 1995-96, 19.6 per cent of the total export of Nepal was to India and this has increased to 36 per cent in 1997-98.
Thirty per cent of the import trade was with India, according to the data of the previous years.
Nepal has a big trade deficit with India. The data show that Nepal has significant trade with the neighbouring countries of India and China.
As there is open border, it is not unnatural that India has big impact on the trade of Nepal, according to under secretary at the Ministry of Commerce Jeevaraj Koirala.
Being a landlocked country, Nepal has to depend on India for many things. As Nepal does not have direct access to seas, the structure of foreign trade of the country has been affected to a great extent.
In 1988-99, the trade deficit of Nepal was Rs. 10.0587 billion and it increased to 61.1806 billion in 1997-98. This does not show any significant increase in the export trade.
In 1988-89, the percentage of export was 27.7 in the overall trade. Though the percentage reached 33.4 in 1992-93, the data statistics of 1997-98 shows that the foreign trade of Nepal is not favourable to the country.
It is matter of concern for a developing country such as ours that the export sector is weak and the trade is unbalanced as a result of high pressure of import, former finance minister Mahesh Acharya says during a meet with rss reporter. As the income from the services sector is small and of temporary nature, the deficit in the current account of the country is increasing and the trade weakening.
According to him, the only option for improving the economy of the country is the promotion and diversification of the export trade.
When the deficit of current account went on decreasing, Nepal should have increased domestic production and consolidated the export trade. But attempts were made to compensate for the deficit in the current account through short-term foreign loan and investment.
Because of this wrong tendency, Nepal will be facing severe economic crisis one day. This is the reason for the foreign donor agencies and pointing fingers at our economic policy, leader of the Nepali Congress Sujata Koirala says.
The niger seed grown in Nepal is in demand in the usa, europe and Japan. Dairy products, tangerines, oranges, lemons, cardamoms, gingers and vegetables are also in great demand in Bangladesh.
Statistics show that Nepal has been exporting niger seeds to these countries since the 70s. Rs 134.6 worth of the seed was exported to these countries in 1997-98.
In Nepal, about 500,000 ropanis of land are suitable for growing tea. If a 20-year masterplan is formulated for the cultivation of tea in a scientific manner, there is a possibility of exporting tea worth us dollar 2 billion in the next twenty years at the present prices.
National Planning Commission (npc) member Jagadish Chandra Pokharel says that private sector should be encouraged, banking sector and cooperatives motivated, and development of agriculture carried out in the form of a campaign.
Water is the main source of internal energy in Nepal. If this sector with a potential of 83,000 mw is harnessed, there is a possibility for the country to export power to India and Bangladesh and derive much benefit.
Likewise, handmade carpets, ready-made garments, hides and skins, oil, medicinal herbs, pulses, rice, handicrafts, wood and bamboo products, handmade paper and leather goods are some of the main exportable items of Nepal.
Pokhara, Feb. 28 : His Majesty the King inaugurated the Pokhara Tourism Training Centre building newly constructed under the Council of Technical Education and Vocational Training (ctevt) at ward No. 12 phulbari in pokhara sub-metropolitan city amidst vedic recitals here today.
His Majesty also inspected various facilities like review hall, hotel, restaurant, administration section, cooking and baking facilities, bar, lab and class rooms in the building.
On the occasion, His Majesty was apprised by principal of the Centre Ramhari lamichhane of the objectives, activities and future programmes of the centre.
Upon arrival at the building site, His Majesty the King was greeted by Minister for youth, sports and culture Sharat Singh Bhandari, ctevt vice-chairman Saroj Devkota, member-secretary Jivan Raj Adhikari, principal of the centre Ramhari lamichhane, Kaski DDC chairman punya Prasad poudel, mayor of pokhara Krishna thapa and cdo shyam Sundar Sharma.
The training Centre building was constructed by His Majesty’s Government with the loan assistance of the Asian Development Bank and opec, and the grant assistance of Swiss Development Cooperation. The total construction cost was Rs. 42.5 million.
The centre’s primary objective is to generate more employment opportunities for Nepalese than foreigners in Nepal tourism business by providing them appropriate training, and producing skilled manpower much needed for tourism business.
The centre, which is making efforts to provide quality service to tourism business and generate employment and self-employment opportunities for the unemployed youth, is providing training in waiter/waitress service, front office operation, cooking and baking, house keeping, hotel accountancy, travel agency operation, air ticketing, tour guide, city tour guide and trekking guide. It is also offering courses in the English, French and Japanese languages.
The centre is equipped with state of the art equipment and facilities.
The centre which operates short courses ranging from one week to two months and long course for two months and more is equipped with laboratories and classrooms enough for 200 trainees. Native and foreign nationals trained at home and abroad provide training in different subjects.
Once the trainees receive theoretical and practical knowledge, they are sent to work in or out of pokhara at standard hotels, restaurants and travel agencies as part of on-the-job training.
Eighty-seven of those who have already received such training have taken up jobs at home and abroad.
Chitwan and makwanpur of narayani zone, kaski, syangja, tanahun and gorkha of gandaki zone, and Palpa, Rupandehi, Gulmi and Kapilvastu of Lumbini zone are the target areas of the centre. Besides, the centre also operates training on demand from any part of the country.
The centre has so far launched mobile, short and long courses. Of 200 trainees enlisted for long course for fiscal year 2056/57 bs, 185 are men and the rest are women.
A total of 1,092 men and 314 women have already received short course training.
Besides, 70 trainees including 67 men are also taking other long-course training and 22 persons including 15 men short-course training.
In the training, women’s participation is very low as compared to that of men. However, demand for women workers in tourism business is increasing.
Minimum eligibility for receiving training at the centre is the knowledge to read and write, slc pass, certificate level and diploma level depending on the nature of training.
Seven technicians, 15 administrators and one British volunteer are now at work at the centre.
By Nepal News Correspondent
Kathmandu, Feb 28:
Opposition leader in parliament and general secretary of CPN-UML Madhav Kumar Nepal suddenly fell sick and rushed to hospital Monday.
He is undergoing treatment in CCU of Teaching Hospital of Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu.
Doctors attending Nepal have suspected a mild stroke. However, according to cardiologist at the teaching hospital Dr Arun Sayami, it was high blood pressure. But doctors have advised him to undergo through check up.
Doctors said that his condition is normal now.
After feeling uneasiness, Nepal cancelled his programme in Birgunj today and came to Kathmandu.
Several leaders of ruling and opposition parties and worried workers of CPN-UML went to hospital and inquired about Nepal’s health.
By Nepal News Correspondent
Kathmandu, Feb 28:
CPN-UML is to launch a nationwide protest programmes against corruption, price hike and other wrong decisions of the government.
In a press conference, CPN-UML leader K.P. Oli said that the government has not done anything for the people and the country as a result national interests were jeopardized and people’s condition deteriorated.
Oli said that the protest programme would begin from March 3. The first phase of protest programme would be launched until March 10, which includes mobilisation of people against violence, picketing in government offices against corruption, torch procession, protest march and mass meetings.
CPN-UML has formed seven-member committee headed by Oli has been formed to coordinate the protest programmes.
Oli said the second phase of protest programme would be announced after the review of the first phase of programmes.
According to Oli, the protest programmes would be peaceful.
By Nepal News Correspondent
Kathmandu, Feb 28
Seven persons were killed, five on the spot and two in hospital, when a truck skidded off the road in Vimad of Palpa district, about 300 kilometer west of Kathmandu, today.
Of the five killed on the spot are Amar Bahadur Khatri of Gulmi, Yam Prasad K.C of Palpa, Prem Singh Thapa of Palpa and Khagishara Thapa of Palpa, police said. One has not yet been identified. Those who died in the hospital are Bhola Nath Poudel and Goma Laxmi.
Ten others were also injured in the accident. Those injured are undergoing treatment in Palpa Hospital. According to doctors at Palpa hospital, condition of three injured persons is critical.
Police said the truck plummeted 500 meters down the road at about 1300 hrs NST Monday. The reason of the accident is not known.
Lalitpur, Feb. 27 :Mrs. Miyalli Rokaya of Ward No. 4 Simikot vdc of Humla district has, for the first time in her life, got an opportunity to take part in a workshop held in the capital.
The sixty four-year-old Mrs. Rokaya is participating in a workshop in her capacity as Humla district president of women awareness and income generating programme run from the current fiscal year under the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare.
Equipped with the experience and knowledge gained from the workshop, Mrs. Rokaya says, she would help women in her district improve their standard of living.
Inaugurating the two-day workshop organised for district coordination committee chairpersons and member-secretaries of the programme here today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Information and Communications Ramchandra Poudel said the women awareness and income generating programme has been introduced with the objective of raising socio-economic and political status of rural and backward women.
He also said that the government would gradually increase financial assistance for the implementation of the programme.
Minister of State for Women and Social Welfare Mrs. Kamala Pant said the programme has been launched to help the commitment made by the Nepali Congress during elections materialize.
Secretary at the ministry Urmila Shrestha said the programme gives special emphasis to poverty alleviation by including women in the development mainstream.
Under secretary Ananta Rizal, ex-mp uma Adhikari, ex- member of the National Planning Commission Dr. Balgopal Vaidya and other speakers also shed light on the importance of the programme.
Kathmandu, Feb. 27: His Majesty’s Government has, as per its today’s decision, constituted a three-member inquiry committee under the chairmanship of joint secretary at the Home Ministry Tikadutta Niraula to look into the incidents that took place at Khara and Rugha vdcs in Rukum district on Feb 22, at Ghartigaon in Rolpa district on Feb 19, and at Dhaku in Achham district, at Raralihi in Jumla district and at Kalimati Rampur in Salyan district some days ago, and submit a report within 15 days, according to a Home Ministry press release today.
The other two members of the committee are Deputy Inspector General of Police at police headquarters Ramesh Raj Lama and deputy chief officer at the National Investigation Department Lal Bahadur Thapa.
His Majesty’s Government has expected full cooperation from all quarters in this task.
Kathmandu, Feb. 27: Minister for Housing and Physical Planning Bal Bahadur K.C. Has stressed the need for the employees of Water Supply Corporation and other units concerned to fulfil their responsibilities honestly in order to make water supply arrangements as per the demand in Kathmandu Valley.
Addressing the 11th anniversary function of Nepal Water Supply Corporation here today, Minister K.C. Attributed the existing drinking water problem to population growth and environmental degradation.
Bearing in mind the drinking water problem in Kathmandu, especially, His Majesty’s Government is making every effort to implement the Melamchi Drinking Water Project, he said.
The government is sensitive to the comments made by foreign donors on various lapses and weaknesses in administrative and bureaucratic sector, he added.
Secretary at the ministry Khagendra Basnet, general manager of the corporation Kailash Nath Bhattarai and others also spoke.
Bhadrapur, Feb. 27: Bhadrapur airport is the second busiest airport, after biratnagar airport, in the eastern region,
After about 1000metre-runway of bhadrapur airport was black topped, five airlines have started operating air services at bhadrapur airport at the eastern region of the country.
Though the runway is somewhat short for Avro Aircraft, Necon Airways, now gaining popularity, has curtailed the number of air passengers and started operating air services from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and back with its newly purchased Avro aircraft.
Likewise, Buddha Air, which claims to be equipped with the latest and ultramodern technology, has also started its regular daily Kathmandu-Bhadrapur Avro services.
Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (rnac) which has been in the field for years, has also increased its frequency from two to three flights a week.
With new airlines operating services regularly to Bhadrapur, the airport seems rather busy.
According to Gopal Koirala, in-charge of the rnac office in Bhadrapur, 50 per cent Kathmandu-bound passengers are from Jhapa and adjacent districts and from the border areas of India also.
He further says that the passengers can now choose airlines and go directly to Kathmandu from Bhadrapur.
There is increasing passengers flow to and from Darjeeling, Assam, Siligudi, of India and Bangladesh, there is no problem such as lack of air passengers during August and April, it is learnt.
According to the immigration office at Kakarbhitta, 7,153 tourists including 2,897 Bangladeshi, 850 British, 655 American and 533 Japanese went towards India from Nepal in 1999 alone from this point.
Likewise, a total of 8,261 tourists including 2,898 Bangladeshi, 850 British, 655 American and 533 Japanese entered Nepal from this border point.
The number of Bangladeshi tourists has increased rapidly for the last few years as a result of enhanced economic, trading and educational ties between Nepal and Bangladesh.
In 2052 hmg started the black-topping of Bhadrapur airport, which was lying neglected for years, and the black-topping has covered 1000 metre and additional 200 metre will be covered in the current fiscal year, it is learnt from Bhadrapur airport.
In the absence of any hangar, the terminal building constructed with the investment of millions of rupees is lying idle now.
There is a shortage of space and lack of toilet in the old terminal building while passengers are overcrowed at some points.
With the extension of the air services, improvement of tarmac, and the provision of ultra-modern terminal building, the importance of Bhadrapur has increased enormously and many have received employment opportunities, according to the local people.
Kathmandu, Feb. 27: under the second phase special polio drops administration campaign, a total of 2.5 million children under five years of age are being administered the drops in 33 districts today.
In keeping with the call of the united nations to eradicate polio from the world, Nepal launched the special campaign with a view to eradicating polio by the year 2000 under which children were administered polio drops on jan 23 and will be administered again tomorrow and on march 26.
Under the campaign, children of all the VDCs of 20 districts bordering India and those of the remaining districts including Kathmandu valley will be given the drops tomorrow.
Some 16,000 health personnel and 80,000 volunteers have been mobilized for the purpose.