By special correspondent Deependra Adhikari

CAMBODIA, MAY 15: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is returning home today after completing his eight-day official visits to Vietnam and Cambodia (five-day official visit to Vietnam and three-day official visit to Cambodia).

The Prime Minister had arrived in Vietnam on May 9 at the friendly invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

He was accorded an official welcome at the Presidential Office and the two held bilateral talks at the Office of the Prime Minister, Vietnam. During his trip to Vietnam, the Prime Minister also met with the President of National Assembly of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan at the National Assembly building in Hanoi.

He also addressed the Vietnam-Nepal Business Forum in Hanoi and urged them to invest in Nepal.

Prime Minister Oli and his delegates also visited Ho Lang Bay, an attractive touristic site, and Ho Chi Minh House. Prime Minister Oli also delivered his speech at Ho Chi Minh Academy of Politics where he briefed about Nepal’s current political development and the government campaign for prosperity.

Similarly, Prime Minister Oli delivered his speech at the UN Day of Vesak organized in Ha Nam Province where he urged the world community to visit in Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Prime Minister Oli had also visited the monument of the National Heroes and Martyrs of Vietnam and offered floral tribute there.

Then, he had arrived Cambodia at the friendly invitation of Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen. While staying in Cambodia, Prime Minister Oli held bilateral talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen.

He also met with Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakerei Heng Samrin, President of National Assembly and Senate chair Vibol Sena Pheakdey Say Chhum. He also visited the National Museum, Silver Pagoda and Win-win Monument as well. Likewise, Prime Minister Oli also addressed Cambodia-Nepal Business Forum and the NRN, Cambodia chapter program.

The local Cambodian media has commented that the Nepal PM’s ever-first visit to Cambodia remained successful to strengthen the bonds of friendship with the Kingdom and promote economic, trade, tourism and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The Prime Minister went to the Independence Monument and paid tribute to national heroes and heroines of Cambodia. RSS

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is currently on an official visit of Vietnam. The prime minister briefly talked to RSS representative Deependra Adhikari on the outcome of his visit. Excerpts:

How was Prime Minister’s Vietnam visit?

This visit was truly successful and beneficial. It has attached mainly two important aspects: firstly, the official part from government and secondly, it was crucial opportunity to inform global community about Buddha’s teaching and ideals and its relevance in today’s world amidst a gathering of representatives from 112 countries.

How far this visit will be successful and facilitating to propel diplomatic as well as trade relations between Nepal and Vietnam in coming days?

Yes, Nepal and Vietnam are longstanding friends. It has been almost four decades since Nepal and Vietnam established their diplomatic ties. But, this is so far the first visit at Prime Minister level. During the visit, wide discussions were held on different matters with several actors. With this, our diplomatic, economic, cultural, religious and other multidimensional relations will further grow and remain cordial. Trade expansion will take place and Nepal’s products will get market space. The export of Nepali production to Vietnam having around 100 million populations should be increased. This visit will reap benefits in these areas.

You have announced to organize a special program in Lumbini in the upcoming Vesak Day? What is its preparation?

I had discussed with the representatives of UNDP on the topic. Some internal preparations are also going on.

Does this visit mean for strengthening collaboration and unity with small and developing countries?

Of course, we will advance collaboration and unity with the countries having similarities with us. In the previous time, we had strengthened the non-aligned movement and this is the time to strongly take ahead such contemporary issues.

In the course of the visit, some bilateral agreements have also taken place. How will be their implementation aspects?

The agreements will come into effect soon. A foreign secretary level mechanism has been put in place to this effect and it has started working from today. RSS

HANOI, May 11: Nepal and Vietnam have forged consensus to strengthen bilateral relations and trade increment to new heights. In course of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, different bilateral agreements were signed today.

Agreements on Exemption of visa to diplomatic and official passport bearers and MoU on the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism between two governments were signed.

Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shanker Das Bairagi and Ngyen Quoc Dung, representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, signed the agreements.

Similarly, a letter of intent on negotiation on trade and an investment framework agreement was signed by the secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Kedar Bahadur Adhikari and Deputy Minister of Industry of Viet Nam, Dang Aoang An.

The signing ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in presence of Prime Ministers of Nepal and Vietnam.  RSS

By special correspondent Dipendra Adhikari

HANOI, May 10: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal is a virgin land for investors. Investment anywhere and everywhere is full of potentials with an assured rate of return.

Addressing the Vietnam-Nepal Business Forum on Friday, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli reminded the Vietnamese investors that Nepal’s advantage lies in our rich natural resources, an abundance of labor forces and the location between two largest markets. Investment in Nepal will open avenues to the world’s two largest markets; India and China.

The PM further made elaborate that there are opportunities for investment in multiple sectors –hydropower, agriculture, mineral resources, medicinal herbs, hospitality industry and financial markets in Nepal.

As an LDC, Nepal has preferential access to some of the international markets.

According to him, labor cost is low and competitive. The country enjoys a demographic dividend, with 57 percent of the working-age population. Every year over 500 thousand youths enter into the job market.

Similarly, a large number of English speaking and digitally connected youths are Nepal’s important asset. This makes ICT sector another area for profitable investment.

Moreover, PM Oli shared that Nepal successfully organized the Investment Summit recently. The Summit saw participation from over 40 countries including Viet Nam. During the Summit, investors pledged to finance 18 mega projects. Various other features and facilities relating to investment in Nepal were shared by the PM.

“We have created an investment-friendly environment through the enactment of necessary laws and announcement of a series of policy measures. Protection of foreign investment is guaranteed by law. The new Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act ensure the national treatment to foreign investment. We have adopted liberal investment and business policies; simplified the procedures; ensured one-stop service to open and close business ventures. We have allowed foreign investment in almost all sectors. The negative list is kept at a minimum,” mentioned PM Oli in the address.

The private sector as he said was taken on board as an indispensable partner for economic development. Public-Private Partnership and Investment Act had paved the way for synergetic engagement of both sides for investment.

“Nepal has flexible labor policy. A universal, contribution-based social security system is being implemented. It has ended the possibility of labor strikes and frequent industrial disputes. We have introduced low tax regimes and created a conducive fiscal environment. Our tax regime is transparent, predictable and investor-friendly,” he underscored, adding that simplified and liberal visa rules apply to the investors and their dependents.

Other features he shared were simplified laws and rules pertaining to land acquisition, company registration, environment assessment and infrastructure development, attempts on agricultural modernization, digitization and Youth Employment programs, dedicated organization as Nepal Investment Board, Department of Industry and Industrial Promotion Board, accessible government machinery and robust institutional setup, aims to increase participation in Global Value Chains (GVCs).

According to him, the success of competitive and economic development lies in innovation and knowledge. Nepal aspires to innovate at the level of small and medium-sized enterprises as well.

PM Oli said at the Forum that Nepal has brought a clear message –the government and the private sector in Nepal are determined in their journey to prosperity. According to him, Nepal and Viet Nam have been enjoying excellent friendship bolstered by social, cultural and religious affinity.

He lauded the economic transformation of Viet Nam after the introduction of Doi-Moi reforms has been remarkable.

“Viet Nam’s story of transformation from a war-torn agrarian economy to a vibrant middle-income country is truly inspiring to all of us. It has shined as one of the bright stars of emerging economies,” PM Oli said, adding that Viet Nam has not only grown but has also increased its welfare gains. Your growth process has been an inclusive one and therefore a model for achieving sustainable development.

Economic transformation Nepal’s ambition PM Oli informed the Vietnamese people that Nepal has emerged as the Federal Republic after the fall of the monarchy. It passed through a difficult insurgency and decade long political transition. With the promulgation of the new constitution in 2015, the peace process has come to a logical end. Nepal’s ambition is of economic transformation – of equally tremendous scale.

“The elections held in 2017, gave a strong mandate to my party and now we have a stable government in Nepal. Two largest communist/left parties have unified as one. The government enjoys over two-thirds majority in the Parliament”, the PM shared.

The PM reminded that the Government has a motto of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali”. Nepal has a vision of graduating from the LDCs at an early date, to become a middle-income country and to achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The government is currently working on the concept paper for Nepal’s development called “Vision 2100”. He pointed out the needed that realization of this dream requires huge investments –in infrastructures, in human resources, in the financial sector.

As the PM said Nepal has now emerged as a confident nation –which is aware of its capabilities and potentials; which is aware of its resources and prospects. Nepalis are determined to build a prosperous nation –with resolute domestic efforts coupled with international cooperation.

MOU ON INVESTMENT TO BOOST ECONOMIC COOPERATION

The signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Nepal and Viet Nam on Framework Agreement on Promotion of Trade and Investment will boost economic cooperation between the two countries, mentioned PM Oli in the address, adding that the MoU would augment the activities on the business community of both countries including Chambers.

“Our efforts for regional and global connectivity have further enhanced and intensified which will reduce the time and costs of access to markets. Investment in Nepal will open up avenues to the world’s two largest markets. Simplified transit system with India is in place. An Agreement on Transit Transport and its Protocol with China have enhanced access to the sea. The multi-modal transit transport system has reduced the delivery of goods reducing transit transport costs,” he described.

As the PM shared, Nepal is motivated by digital connectivity which will compensate geographical landlockedness. Vast untapped resources The vast untapped resources and virgin fields for investment makes Nepal an attractive business destination. The market-friendly incentives, business-friendly liberal policy, and robust institutional mechanism make Nepal a profitable business destination. Peace, security and rule of law make Nepal a safe business destination, the PM underscored.

“I invite the investors, entrepreneurs and businesspersons from Vietnam to make the best use of the opportunity available in Nepal,” he appealed.

He also encouraged investors to make the optimum use of opportunities. Frequent exchange of business delegations can be helpful to explore the opportunities. Partnership for capacity building can augment our economic ties. Joint ventures and partnerships can bolster the business, he suggested. RSS

KATHMANDU, May 9: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has left for the official visits to Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Kingdom of Cambodia.

PM Oli is visiting Vietnam from May 9-13 at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Cambodia from May 13-15 at the invitation of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdeh Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen.

The prime minister is accompanied by his spouse, Radhika Shakya. He is leading a delegation which includes Minister Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the PM, Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, Members of the Parliament, high-ranking government officials, elected representatives from local bodies as well as representatives of the private sector and media persons.

During the visit, the PM will hold delegation level bilateral meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart Phuc. The two countries will sign some agreements and memorandum of understandings to further promote bilateral relations.

He will also meet with the President of the National Assembly. The Prime Minister of Viet Nam will host an official dinner in honor of the Prime Minister of Nepal and his delegation.

The prime minister will also address the International Day of Vesak in Ha Nam Province in Vietnam. Vietnam is observing the Vesak Day from this year after the United National proclaimed it. The event will see the participation of high-level dignitaries as well as Buddhists monks and nuns from various countries, including Nepal.

He will also address the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Nepal-Viet Nam Business Forum in Ha Noi.

Likewise, during the visit to Cambodia, PM Oli will hold delegation level bilateral talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen. Following the official talks, the Cambodian PM will host an official dinner in honor of PM Oli and his delegation. He will also meet with the President of the National Assembly and the President of the Senate. He will also address the business meeting in Phnom Penh.

A contingent of Nepal Army offered a guard of honor to the Prime Minister on the occasion.

Prime Minister Oli and the delegation will return home on 15 May.

Photos: Mukunda Kalikote/Reporters’ Club Nepal