Qatari ambassador calls on Minister Bhandari with invitation for Qatar visit

Kathmandu, Sept 10: Qatar's ambassador to Nepal, Mishaal Bin Mohamed Ali Al-Ansari today paid a courtesy call on Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari.     

During the meeting, held at the Ministry, the Minister congratulated the Government of Qatar on its preparations to host the third Summit of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ADC) this year.     

Highlighting that Nepal-Qatar relations are cordial and based on friendship, goodwill, mutual understanding, and cooperation since the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the two countries on January 21, 1977.     

Describing Qatar as one of the major labour destinations for Nepali workers, he acknowledged the job opportunities that Qatar provided for Nepali on a large scale.     

Stating that some 370 thousand Nepali are presently employed in Qatar in various areas, he said adding the establishment of the Nepali Business Association Qatar has contributed to further consolidating the economic ties between the two countries.     

Pointing out the potentiality of exploring bilateral cooperation in trade, tourism, and investment, the Minister said Nepal expects investment in Nepal from the Government of Qatar and the Qatar Fund for Development.     

He also shared that discussions are underway on the draft of the proposed agreement relating to the mutual promotion and investment protection between the Qatar and Nepal governments.     

He underlined the need to promote bilateral cooperation to reduce Nepal's trade deficit with Qatar and find a market for Nepali products including agricultural products in Qatar.     

Stating that the operation of a direct connection by air has made the people's movement between the two countries easier, the Minister pitched the idea of connecting it to promote tourism in Nepal and bilateral trade. He also expressed happiness over the cooperation between Nepal and Qatar in the UN and other multi-sectoral and regional forums on the matter of mutual interests and concerns.     

Responding to the Minister positively, the ambassador invested in the Minister for Water visit on October 2. He underlined the need for the scaling of the exchange of mutual assistance to further consolidate the bilateral ties.(RSS)