Modi, Oli look to enhance trade...
residing in the Nepalese plains that border Bihar, Mr Modi expressed hope that Kathmandu will “take all sections along” in Nepal’s march to progress. The Madhesis have often complained of being left out of the power apparatus by the Nepalese hill people and this had strained ties between the two countries in 2015- 16.
Mr Oli said he wants “to see an early realisation of the open market provision of the bilateral power trade agreement”. He also highlighted the alarming trade deficit and stressed the need to implement measures to expand Nepal’s exports.
“We are connected by easy geography while our cross- border infrastructure is still poor. We discussed the possibility of being linked by river navigation. In this context, I thanked Prime Minister Modiji for positively considering our proposal on inland waterways. Enhanced connectivity will definitely contribute to our desire to be a land- linked country instead of land- locked,” said Mr Oli.
Using a remote button, the two Prime Ministers also inaugurated a check post at Birgunj in Nepal to enhance cross- border trade. They also witnessed the ground- breaking ceremony of the MotihariAmlekhgunj cross- border petroleum pipeline in Motihari, Bihar.
Mr Oli said, “I have come to India with a mission to explore ways and means to enhance our relations to newer heights... Inter- dependence takes many forms between our two countries, ranging from ecological to commercial. Being close neighbours, our destiny is intertwined.”
“Both of us underlined that the early realisation of the ongoing mega- projects like Pancheshwar, Arun III and Upper Karnali would generate the much desirable impetus and positive precedence for future such projects. I appreciated the Government of India’s initiative to have guidelines and regulation for cross- border trade of electricity. It is definitely a step ahead,” Mr Oli said.
In a joint statement, the two sides said, “The Prime Ministers of India and Nepal... took the landmark decision to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo, within the framework of trade and transit arrangements, providing additional access to sea for Nepal. This new initiative would enable cost effective and efficient movement of cargo.”