Kathmandu. Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has stressed the need for effective initiatives for direct flights between Nepalgunj and Delhi.

Speaking at an all-party discussion organized by The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) in Collaboration with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) here today, he said direct flights between Nepalgunj and Delhi would contribute to the overall development of the region.

“Nepalgunj has ample potential for tourism, agriculture and other sectors. If there is a direct flight, it can contribute significantly to the regional connectivity and economic development of Western Nepal. The Federation expresses solidarity with this initiative and effort here,” Dhakal said.

He said that direct flights to Nepalgunj-Delhi are related to the overall development of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.

Similarly, Chairman Dhakal expressed the view that the FNJ would urge the Prime Minister to take up this agenda on priority during prime minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to India. He expressed the belief that the dream of Nepalgunj-Delhi direct flight would be realized soon with the joint efforts of all.

Dhakal also stressed the need for effective operation of the airports constructed at a time when the state has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure.

“Nepalgunj, which is known as the gateway to western Nepal. Infrastructure has been built. Destinations like Lumbini, including Bardiya and Banke National Parks, can be an important entry for Indian tourists. Being a border area, there is a huge potential in this area for events and weddings (events and weddings),” he said.

Stating that the private sector has already made huge investments for the economic development of the country, he opined that if the government could work with the psychology that something could be done in the country itself, it could yield results.

Similarly, he said that the Federation has initiated policy reforms to create an investment-friendly environment in the country and the government has amended more than 30 laws at the initiative of the Federation.

Although internal and external capital is required for the development of the country, the work has already been started by opening a Nepal Public Limited company with a capital of Rs 10 billion at the initiative of the Federation so that infrastructure development can be done in the country through internal capital.

Former ministers, lawmakers, representatives of political parties, civil society, tourism entrepreneurs, journalists and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.