KATHMANDU, Feb. 29 (Nepal Foreign Affairs)–Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Deep Kumar Upadhyay, paid a courtesy call on V. Shanmuganathan, the Governor of Meghalaya, in Rajbhavan, Shillong, recently.
Recent development in Nepal India bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest including the socio-cultural affinity between the two countries were discussed during the meeting, the Embassy of Nepal in Delhi said in a press release.
Similarly, Ambassador Upadhyay paid a courtesy call on Dr. Mukul Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, at the Residence of the Chief Minister in Shillong on 27 February.
While noting that Nepal and the State of Meghalaya share similar topography, they exchanged views on the development priorities and the importance of sustainable livelihood. Ambassador Upadhyay appreciated the sustainable community development programs initiated by the Government of Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister said that people-driven programs are keys to success in Meghalaya. The Ambassador expressed interest in learning from the experience of Meghalaya about the productive use of bamboo in traditional crafts and its role in transforming the rural economy. They also shared ideas about the employment opportunities available for the youth in priority sectors like agriculture, forests, health, hospitality and IT.
Earlier on 26 February, Ambassador Upadhyay attended the inaugural session of the 3rd Act East International Business Show 2016 in Shillong organised by the Department of Commerce & Industry of the Government of Meghalaya and North Eastern Council of the Ministry of DoNER of the Government of India in partnership with the Indian Chamber of Commerce.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, was the Chief Guest of the business event. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Upadhyay gave emphasis on the role of public private partnership in upgrading development infrastructure. He stressed on the need for generating power and expanding connectivity to accelerate development.
The Ambassador said that with the signing of Power Trade Agreement between Nepal and India and the signing of BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement, new avenues of bilateral, sub-regional, and regional cooperation have been created. He also called upon the business community to explore business opportunities available in Nepal as the country is embarking on reconstruction works.
Ambassador Upadhyay also took the opportunity of his visit to Meghalaya to meet with the Nepalese community in Gurkha Pathshala Higher Secondary School in Shillong and appreciated their role in promoting socio-economic and cultural bonds between the people of Nepal and India. The Ambassador was accompanied by Dhundi Raj Pokharel, Minister Economic, and Tirtha Raj Wagle, Minister Counsellor, of the Embassy during the meetings.