New Delhi, Dec 20: A substantive step should be taken to further promote regional cooperation in the areas of hydropower development, tourism and information technology so as to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at a discussion on ‘ regional cooperation’ held as part of the Nepal-India Economic Conference commenced in New Delhi on Friday, the participants called for reflecting the bilateral partnership and regional cooperation to advance to the SDGs.
Nepal’s former ambassador to India, Dr Lokraj Baral, was of the view that the South Asian regional cooperation has been weakened. “The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has not met substantive achievements while the BIMSTEC is yet to make significant progress. Hence, Nepal and India should take measures for promoting regional cooperation.”
India’s former ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri pressed the need to focus on the Nepal-India cooperation on economic and cultural partnership by going beyond the political interests.
Stating that India has significantly invested in Nepal’s hydropower sector, he said the construction of the Arun III Hydropower Project has come closer to completion and it will further encourage the energy cooperation between the two nations.
As he voiced, both countries should work together to minimise impacts of climate change and to promote the green development. He acknowledged the urgent need to identity new areas of cooperation between the two neighbours.
Economic Advisor to India’s Finance Ministry’s, Chanchal C Sarkar, advised to seek cooperation in trans of national payment system and digital infrastructure development. As he said, both nations have ample potentials to cooperate in financial inclusion, start-up and financial technology (Fintech).
Kathmandu University’s associate professor Uddhab Pyakurel raised concerns over illegal transport of beetle nuts and peas via the Nepal-India border.
In another session, professor Mahendra P Lama advised to connect the hydropower development to a regional market and develop a joint transmission line.
Investment Board Nepal’s joint-secretary Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay underlined the need of investing sufficiently in hydropower, information technology and religious tourism which were identified for bilateral cooperation.
Indian Foreign Trade Corporation’s Vice Chancellor Rakesh Mohan Joshi advised both sides to establish a supply chain from Mt Everest to oceans.
All in all, the Conference has highlighted the need to take substantive measures in the areas of hydropower, digital infrastructure, religious tourism and youth entrepreneurship by strengthening the economic cooperation between the two countries. #nepal #india #investment
