Kathmandu, May 14
Visiting senior executive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government of Kuwait Mahammad Ahmed Al Mujrim Al-Roomi on Sunday said that the preparations were underway for opening the Kuwaiti Embassy in Kathmandu.
Addressing a reception organised by Nepal Kuwait Chambers of Commerce to welcome the Kuwaiti delegates, he said that the talks were underway to bring the Kuwaiti Embassy in Kathmandu into operation as soon as possible.
Saying that the two countries have been enjoying friendly relations since 1972, he hoped that the opening of the embassy in Nepal would help boost the relations further.
On the occasion, Bhawani Rana, Officiating President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that Kuwait could be a major trade partner for Nepal.
Stating that Nepal was going to mark the year 2012 as Nepal Investment Year (NIY), she urged the Kuwaiti government to help promote Kuwaiti investments in Nepal.
Kush Kumar Joshi, Immediate Past Present of the FNCCI, asked the Kuwaiti government and private sector to invest in Nepal.
He also asked the two countries to explore the trade and economic relations of the two countries.
Surendra Bir Malakar, President of Nepal Kuwait Chambers of Commerce, said that Kuwait could be a good avenue to enhance the trade relations between the two countries.
"Process simplification for the import of Nepali products in Kuwait could be an avenue to enhance the trade relationship between two countries," he said.
Presently, the trade between the two countries had remained in favour of Kuwait. Nepal exports cereals, starch, ready-made garments, and handicrafts such as silver jewelry.
He said that there were several other products such as coffee, tea, large cardamom, honey, cereals, carpet and handicrafts including pashmina shawls, which had huge potential for exporting.
He also said that Nepal could be a popular destination for the people in Kuwait because of its favourable agro-ecological climatic conditions and pristine nature.
