17th Annual General Meeting of NGCCI held
The 17th AGM of Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held on June 12, 2009 at Hotel Radisson , Kathmandu under the theme “forging connections amidst the challenges.”
The Business Session was chaired by the President, Mr. Rohini Thapaliya who delivered welcome remarks. H.E. Ms Verena Gräfin von Roedern, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and Honorary President of NGCCI delivered opening remarks at the Business Session. General Secretary Mr. Purna Man Sakya presented the Annual Report of the year 2008/2009 and Annual Operational Plan of the Year 2009. The audited Balance Sheet of the Chamber for the fiscal year 2064/2065 was presented for deliberation and adoption by the Chamber’s Treasurer Mr. Anup B. Malla.
The presentations were followed by floor discussion in which NGCCI Members present participated actively. The floor passed both the presentations after clarifications by the concerned office bearers on the questions raised by the members.
Immediate Past President Mr. B.K Shrestha distributed the Membership Certificates to the new members present at the 17th AGM.
The Inauguration Session was honored by Hon’ble Minister for Finance Mr. Surendra Pandey as the Chief Guest for the day who inaugurated the ceremony. Large number of distinguished guests representing from the trade and industry sector in Nepal, NGCCI members, high government officials and other important figures including journalist were present at the Inaugural Ceremony.
Delivering welcome remarks, the chairperson of the ceremony Mr. Rohini Thapaliya, President of NGCCI remarked Nepal German relation and German cooperation for Nepal. He shed light on 50th Anniversary celebration of Nepal German Diplomatic relations and highlighted some of the activities conducted by NGCCI. Emphasizing the need of favorable eco-political situation he urged the government for creating a favorable environment encouraging private sector to involve more in economic growth, both domestic and foreign investment and poverty elimination.
On the occasion, Deputy Governor, Mr. Krishna Bahadur Manandhar delivering keynote speech shed light on present condition of Nepalese economy as observed by the Central Bank in the context of world economic crisis. He said, due to less integration of our economy to the global economy our economy has not been affected so much but we should not assume that our economy is doing well. He mentioned, the growth rate, basic barometer of the economic performance of the country is below 5%. With this growth rate it will be long way in achieving our broader objective of eradicating poverty and achieving reasonable level of standard of living. Because of our fixed exchange rate with India, significant increment in the revenue collection and remittance we have been able to maintain macro economic stability in spite of what is happening in the global economy.
Mr. Kush Kumar Joshi, President of FNCCI said, NGCCI in its seventeen years of existence has achieved many milestones and has been able to create a special place of recognition among the business sector and policy makers. He put forth his opinion on present business environment and role of government to support businesses. He urged the government to bring private sector and investment friendly budget with strong economic agenda.
Addressing the function H.E. Ms Verena Gräfin von Roedern, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and Honorary President of NGCCI said, the economic growth is the key factor for poverty reduction and lasting peace. Private investment and sustainable economic activities are the most important factor in order to reach this goal. She mentioned Germany is the important market for Nepalese goods and German business community is very much interested to import and investment in Nepal but existing obstacles have to be tackled with sincerity. She commended activities conducted by NGCCI and expressed happiness to work together. She added that she would put all effort into first bring the economic ties of Nepal and Germany for the benefit of the people of both countries.
Hon’ble Minister for Finance Mr. Surendra Pandey appreciated support provided by the German government in health sector, renewable energy, sustainable economic development and peace process of Nepal. He pointed out that the banking and financial institutions are not utilizing their sufficient investment in any development sector that is vital to drive country towards economic prosperity. He urged the people and the political parties to show their faithful and noble commitment that would only ensure development growth momentum. He assured that the government will fully support and make investment friendly environment to those willing to invest in Nepal
Chief guest Hon’ble Minister for Finance Mr. Pandey also handed over the NGCCI award, Best Exporter of the Year Award 2008 to Senon Carpet Industries P. Ltd for highest export in the year 2008 among NGCCI members. President Mr. Thapaliya presented token of appreciation to the speakers for the day.
Vice-President Mr. Senon Dorje Lama delivering Vote of Thanks thanked all and concluded the Inauguration Ceremony of the 17th AGM of NGCCI.
On the occasion H.E. Ms Verena Gräfin von Roedern, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany hosted a reception.
