NBF discusses measures to ease energy crisis

The Nepal Business Forum (NBF), a mechanism created to promote public-private policy dialogue, held its eastern regional business forum (ERBF) meeting in Biratnagar on Sunday, recommending implementation of five issues raised in the forum.
ERBF is co-chaired by the regional administrator for the eastern development region on behalf of the government and the president of the Eastern Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industries on behalf of the private sector.
Major issues raised in the meeting were allocation of budget for ERBF to operate it effectively in the coming fiscal year, removal of hurdles in the export of agro products, making Nepali and Bangladeshi currency convertible, promotion of agro products by developing market linkages and establishment of company registration desk in eastern region which will ultimately facilitate businesses of the private sector, says a statement issued by NBF.
During the meeting, the issue of multi-fuel power plant was also discussed, while the private sector asked the government to develop dedicated line citing the eastern region and the Biratnagar industrial corridor were critical to the overall economic health of Nepal.
To maintain the supply of power to this critical area, the meeting discussed the rehabilitation of the multi-fuel plant at Duhabi and building of transmission lines to and from India to ease the current energy crisis, says the statement.
The meeting also discussed establishment of Integrated Customs Point in Biratnagar, formation of special economic zones and strengthening of industrial security, the statement further says.
With a mandate to cover ´doing business´ issues in 16 eastern Nepal districts, ERBF has been organizing public-private dialogue by bringing in 22 chambers into the regional forum.