Kathmandu. Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has stressed the need for effective operation of Pokhara International Airport.

Addressing the 29th Annual General Meeting and 15th Session of Lekhnath Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kaski, Chairman Dhakal said pokhara international airport has opened new possibilities for tourism and trade expansion.

Currently, Himalaya Airlines is operating regular flights from Pokhara Airport once a week, Sichuan Airlines is preparing to fly to Australia via Chengdu and Bhutan Airlines has planned chartered flights.

Stating that Pokhara has huge potential for economic prosperity along with natural beauty, Dhakal stressed the need of identifying agriculture, tourism, hydropower, information technology, health and education as key sectors for investment and entrepreneurship.

Appreciating the association’s contribution to the protection, promotion, employment generation and entrepreneurship development of local business for nearly three decades, Chairman Dhakal said the Lekhnath Chamber of Commerce and Industry has played an important role in formulating business policy, encouraging small and medium enterprises and taking local products to the market.

Stating that pokhara’s fertile land and favourable climate in the agriculture sector has great potential for the production of paddy, maize, vegetables and fruits, Dhakal stressed the need for branding and market expansion of local organic products.