Sri Lanka promotes trade and tourism in Kathmandu

Participants at the event

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal, in association with the Nepal Council of World Affairs (NCWA), organised an event on “Promotion of Economic Cooperation between Sri Lanka and Nepal” at Hotel Shangri-La, Kathmandu on Sunday 28 July. 

A large number of prominent Nepali importers, officials of Chambers of Commerce and Industries, representatives from the Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA), Nepal Association of Tour Operators (NATO), Ministry of Culture Tourism & Civil Aviation, former Ambassadors of Nepal to Sri Lanka, and travel journalists participated in the event. 

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal Swarna Perera, in her presentation, highlighted Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, diverse history, vast array of architecture, golden beaches, and natural beauty.  The Ambassador urged Nepalese tour operators to encourage tourists to visit Sri Lanka by introducing tour packages, as the country has returned to normalcy after the Easter Sunday attacks.  Sri Lanka is safe for tourists, was the key message conveyed to the gathering.  While speaking on trade and joint ventures, she described the vibrant business environment in Sri Lanka, which ranked as the most liberalised economy in South Asia. Ambassador Perera emphasised on the necessity to put in more efforts to improve the current status of trade relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal. 

Presenting a paper on behalf of the Nepal Council of World Affairs, South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment Chairman Dr. Posh Raj Pandey pointed out the potential that exists to further strengthen economic relations, and added that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs should undertake promotional activities in Nepal.  

Commenting on the papers presented by speakers, former Chief Secretary of Nepal Dr. Bimal Koirala stressed the importance of having direct air connectivity between the two capitals to enhance economic cooperation. The event especially focused on introducing Sri Lankan export products to the Nepali market, and promoting Sri Lanka as a travel destination. 

Former Chief Secretary of Nepal Dr. Bimal Koirala commenting on the papers presented