Finance Minister leaves for Japan

Finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has left for a five-day official visit to Japan on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport before departure, Dr Bhattarai said his visit is aimed at promoting Japanese investment in Nepal especially in the hydropower sector and infrastructure.

During the visit, he will meet finance, foreign and industry ministers of Japan and the private sector leaders on promotion of Japanese governmental and private investment. He said 18 various projects would be discussed with the Japanese side.

The visit is also aimed at increasing religious and cultural tourism to Nepal, he added.

According to the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu, Bhattarai is scheduled to visit Oita and Hiroshima Prefecture. "It is expected that this visit will further improve bilateral relations between the two countries," a release from the embassy has stated. nepalnews.com ta Feb 05 09