Trade and investment potential between Nepal and Ireland discussed

Nepal’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Dr. Suresh C. Chalise, has held discussions with the Irish Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello, in Dublin on promoting trade and investment between the two countries. Regional Director for Asia and Latin America Unit of the Irish government, Ms Cliona Manahan, was also present.

During the meeting, ambassador Chalise apprised the minister that Nepal was observing 2012 as the ‘Nepal Investment Year’ and that the government was keen to facilitate foreign investment in a number of areas including hydropower, tourism and information technology. The minister assured the ambassador that Ireland was keen to promote trade and investment between the two countries. Minister Costello expressed hope that after the new Irish ambassador takes up charge in New Delhi within the next few weeks, there will be a tangible progress in that direction.

On the occasion, the minister also assured that he will support the Nepal Ireland Society (NIS) and work together in the upliftment of the expatriate Nepalese community in Ireland. The minister and his spouse, Emer Costello, who is currently a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), have been good friends of the Nepalese community in Ireland and have participated in various programmes organised by the Society as Chief Guests.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Ireland Society organised an interaction programme in Dublin to acknowledge excellent activities being carried out by some of the Irish NGOs and INGOs in Nepal. In his key-note speech, Ambassador Chalise spoke about the diplomatic ties between Nepal and Ireland and shed light on ways to expand and deepen the budding association between the two countries. He said that Nepal is fortunate to have China and India as soaring economies next-door and the country is going to be a trade and transit passage between them. If Nepal and Ireland develop trade and investment promotion links, both shall benefit tremendously due to Nepal’s geo-strategic location, he added.

The Ambassador also applauded the Nepal-Ireland Society for creating a platform for frequent interactions between people of the two countries. He also appreciated the participating organisations for their outstanding work in Nepal.

Ms. Nicky Deasy (Foundation Nepal), Ms. Niamh Clandillon (Nagarhope), Mr. Paul Egan (Trinity College), Dr. Jane Fenlon (Irish Nepal Education Trust), Mr. Conor Fox (Umbrella Foundation), Mr. Jim Sheehan (SHEP), Ms. Rosaleen Thomas (Hope Foundation), Ms. Emma Lynch (Nepal Leprosy Trust) and Mr. Darren Clarke (Draiocht) made presentations on the activities being carried out by their organizations in various parts of Nepal.

Mr. Deepesh Man Shakya, President of NIS, thanked all participants for their valuable contributions in Nepal and also for attending the programme. He also distributed gifts to all the Irish participants, which was sponsored by different Nepalese entrepreneurs in Ireland. The programme was conducted by Dr. Keshav Bhattarai.

A cultural programme was also organised on the occasion which was participated in by Nepalese artists Kanchen Jung Thapa, Kshitiz Bhujel, Ms. Bishnu Dawadi and Irish artist Mr. Gerard McGranaghan.

Ambassador Chalise also attended other informal interaction programmes with the representatives of NRN-Ireland and the Nepalese community in Portlaoise, Ireland. nepalnews.com