Indian Envoy Sees Nepal as Air Cargo Transit Point

Kathmandu: Indian Ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shankar Mukherjee has said that Nepal could be developed as a transit point for air cargo between India and the rest of the world.
Referring Nepal's geographical location between the world's two fastest growing economies; India and China, Mukherjee said that Nepal has an opportunity to serve as a transit point for air cargo that could bring considerable benefits to the country.
"We are prepared to examine necessary bilateral arrangements that would make it possible for Nepal exploit such opportunity, especially after forthcoming revision of air services agreement between the two countries," he said addressing a programme to mark to the 13th Cargo Day organised by Nepal Freight Forwarders' Association (NEFFA), on Sunday.
Mukherjee further added — that India would substantially liberalise the bilateral air services arrangements — hinting for modifying the bilateral trade treaty to add international airports to the designated routes for bilateral trade.
External trade is a key to Nepal's economy, he said adding that expansion of transport network and elimination of non-tariff barriers are required to boost the trade. Contemplating that about two-thirds of Nepal's foreign trade is with India and over 90 per cent of Nepal's third country trade transits through India, Mukherjee stressed on the need of improving infrastructure as well as expanding transport network.
30/07/07 Himalayan Times, Nepal

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Categories: Cargo Jul 2007, Foreign Jul 2007