Organisations, individuals apply for CIP title

KATHMANDU, MAY 01 -

A number of organisations have approached the Commerce Ministry seeking the Commercially Important Person (CIP) title that the ministry awards every two years.

Among the organisations are Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Federation of Nepal Cottage and Small Industries and Nepal Overseas Import Export Association. Four individuals have also applied for the title.

Following the Cabinet’s endorsement of the working procedure on CIP on February 13, the ministry is all set to recognise 36 individuals as CIPs. However, the working procedure, which aims to honour business men for their contribution to economic development, has not made NRNs eligible for the title.

“The letter submitted by the NRNA has put us in confusion,” said a high level official at the ministry. The ministry selects CIPs for the title based on the recommendation of a sub-committee.  NRNA Executive Director Rajesh Rana said his office has been demanding the government for the title for last year. “We had submitted a proposal to the Commerce Ministry last year, asking it to recognise the association and its members as CIPs,” said Rana. “After the ministry took measures to offer the title formally, we have again resubmitted the proposal.”

Ministry Spokesperson Deepak Subedi said all applications have been forwarded to the sub-committee which has the authority to decide who should be given the title.

As per the working procedure, individuals will be awarded the tile under eight categories—export, import, investment, tourism, tax contribution, leaders of the private sector associations and commodity associations. An individual recognized as CIP will be given priority in meeting with the prime minister, ministers and high-level government officials.

CIPs will also receive a two-year “pass” that enables them to enjoy special state facilities like the use of CIP and VIP lounge at Tribhuvan International Airport and other airports in the country. CIPs will also receive a

SAARC Sticker Visa to visit the SAARC member states without any hassles. In case of foreign CIPs, they will receive on-arrival multiple visas in Nepal for 15, 30 or 90 days till the period of

two years.

MoCS Under-secretary Abha Shrestha said the sub-committee has almost finalised the list of individuals who will be recommended for the CIP title. “Once the sub-committee recommends the individuals, a public notice will be issued and any oppositions and complaints against the selected individuals will be entertained,” she said.

Source: The Kathmandu Post