Nepal’s Industry Minister Holds Talks with Indian Counterpart on Bilateral Trade and Standards

Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, met with India’s Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, in New Delhi on Wednesday evening. The meeting, held at Minister Joshi’s office, focused on enhancing bilateral trade and addressing mutual interests.

Key topics discussed included the facilitation of essential food grain imports, such as wheat, rice, and sugar, from India to Nepal. Minister Bhandari emphasized the importance of easing the import process for these commodities and received positive responses, according to Tarka Raj Bhatt, Under-Secretary at the Ministry and part of the visiting delegation.

Minister Bhandari also highlighted the need for improved access to Indian markets for Nepali products, urging support for their export and marketing. Additionally, discussions were held on strengthening collaboration between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Nepal Bureau of Standards and Metrology to enhance the quality and certification processes for Nepali companies.

Minister Bhandari is currently on an official visit to India aimed at deepening economic ties and addressing trade challenges between the two nations.