Kathmandu. The 14th annual general meeting of Nepal-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has elected a new working committee under the chairmanship of Sunil Bhakta Shrestha.

Deepak Kumar Malhotra and Urmila Shrestha have been elected the senior vice-presidents while Gopal Das Manandhar has been elected the vice-president. Likewise, Nabin Saru (Dol Bahadur Thapa) has been elected the General Secretary, Swati Ghoriwala the Treasurer, Pabitra Man Gurung and Prakash Ram Shrestha the Secretary.

Likewise, Manish Lal Pradhan, Sushil Sthapit, Deepak Maharjan, Sanjeev Tuladhar, Raju Shrestha, Shyam Marwadi, Rashmi Panta, Kumar Shrestha, Prakash Regmi, Ayush Bahadur Shrestha, Ramesh Parajuli, Bidata Shrestha, Achyut Bahadur Hada, Saksham Ghimire and Sarbattam Lal Shrestha have been elected as executive members.

Likewise, the newly-elected working committee appointed Kiran Kumar Shrestha, Dhruba Kumar Shrestha and Dr Saroj Adhikari as advisors to the committee, according to a press release issued by the Nepal-Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry today.

On the occasion, newly-elected President Sunil Bhakta Shrestha said that NCC would play more active role in expanding the trade relations with Vietnam. “The trade potential between the two countries is huge. In the next term of office, we will continue to strengthen the platform for trade promotion, investment attraction and business link. ”

Vice President Urmila Shrestha said that the organization would contribute to identify potential areas for joint investment between Nepal and Vietnam, trade promotion, investment attraction and exchange experiences of the business community.

Earlier in the AGM, Honorary Consul of Viet Nam to Nepal, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha said that the Chamber has played an important role in taking the Nepal-Viet trade relations to a new height.

“There is growing potential of Nepali products in the Vietnamese market. The NCC’s activism can further expand Nepal’s export potential. Underlining the need of enhancing collaboration between the two countries, Consul General Shrestha said there was ample possibility of expanding investment in agriculture, tourism, trade and information technology sectors.

He also stressed the need of operating direct flights between Nepal and Vietnam. On the occasion, NCC President Deepak Kumar Malhotra shed light on the initiatives and activities carried out by Nepal Chamber for the expansion of trade between Nepal and Viet Nam.

He expressed sadness saying the perception towards entrepreneurs and industrialists in the country was becoming negative. “There is huge potential for Nepal-Vietnam trade relations. The economies of both countries will benefit if the private sector is active. General Secretary Gopal Das Manandhar presented the annual report and statute amendment proposal for 2080/81 and 2081/82 in the meeting. Likewise, Treasurer Kavi Kumar Tibrewala said that the organization was becoming financially strong.

On the occasion, a business award was presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the trade and business sector of Vietnam. Shyam Marwadi, importer, Kim Kong Wo (Bao), Managing Director of Nepal-Vietnam Joint Investment Company Pho 99 and Urmila Shrestha for their publication, support and contribution to the strengthening of the organization were also presented. President Malhotra also presented certificates to the life membership of the chamber.