FNCCI annual meeting to focus on energy sector
KATHMANDU, APR 06 -
The 47th annual general meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( FNCCI ), scheduled for April 10, will primarily focus on the energy sector.
The apex body of the Nepali private sector has also planned to seek commitment from leaders of the major political parties for the energy sector’s development.
During the AGM, top political leaders will sign a political commitment letter drafted by the FNCCI .
“Our attempt to focus on the overall economic agendas during previous AGMs did not lead us to specific conclusion,” said FNCCI President Suraj Vaidya at a press meet here on Friday. “Realising the importance of the hydropower sector in the development of the national economy, we are focusing on this theme this time.”
Being organised under the slogan “Change for Development Starts Now”, the AGM will see participation of energy experts from India, China, the World Bank and International Hydro Association. According to Vaidya, the AGM will also attempt to develop a strategy on hydroelectricity development.
When asked why the FNCCI is seeking political commitment for the hydropower sector, Vaidya said it was the first step towards requesting major political parties to include the issue of economic development in their political manifesto.
FNCCI representatives have already held discussion with political leaders in this regard. “All of the leaders have approved our proposal and promised to attend the programme,” said FNCCI Vice-president Bhawani Rana. “CPN-Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidhya has told us that he will inform after going through the FNCCI -prepared hydropower strategy.”
The first technical session of the AGM will dwell on “International Best Practices for Hydropower Development”.
The session to be chaired by Chief Secretary Lila Mani Paudel will have a panel of Arvind Mehta, joint secretary of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Lu Guojun, assistant president of China Three Gorges Corporation; Jean Michael, chief hydro expert of the World Bank; Richard Taylor, executive director of International Hydropower Association- UK; and Chanththaboun Souk Aloune, director general of the Department of Energy Business of Laos.
The second technical session titled “Together for Hydropower Development in Nepal”, will be chaired by Energy Minister Umakant Jha.
Yongping Zhai, director of South Asia Energy Division of Asian Development Bank; Harvinder Manocha, vice president of GMR Energy; Raghuveer Y Sharma, chief investment officer of IFC; and Deepak Amitabh, chairman and managing director of Power Trade Corporation (PTC), will address the session.
“Based on the discussions and presentations from national and international experts and developers, the AGM aims at forging a political consensus on the development of the country’s hydropower sector,” said Rana.
Source: The Kathmandu Post
