Kathmandu, The Eleventh Annual General Meeting of Export Council of Nepal (ECON), a representative organization of export trading firms/companies, was held on January 18, 2008 at The Hotel Malla, Kathmandu, Nepal. Purushottam Ojha, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MOICS), inaugurated the formal session as a Chief Guest of the AGM.

Welcoming all the guests and participants of the AGM, Raju Shrestha, President of Export Council of Nepal (ECON), demanded the government to implement the Export Promotion House (EPH) and make scheduled programs for the promotion of export trade. 'Given honor to exporters as CIP is good sign but the government needs to implement its commitment in to actions', he said adding that the unnecessary documentation should be waived. He also requested the government to waive Value Added Tax in export trade.

Speaking at the AGM Secretary Ojha emphasized the need to work jointly to bring the improvement in policy making in order to achieve economic advantage from the export trade. ‘As export is the one of the main sources of foreign currency earnings, our policy need to be favorable to support export trade of the country', he said adding that the government would play mediator role to facilitate export trade. Highlighting the importance of export trade, he urged private associations not to create problems in the name of certification. 'MOICS is ready to join hands in promoting export trade', he added.

Likewise, Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, Revenue Secretary at the Ministry of Finance said that export trade is witnessing declining due to lack of coordination between the government and private sector. Underscoring the importance of export trade, he said the Finance Ministry would co-operate exporters in executing demands raised by export sectors.

Surendra Bir Malakar, President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce presented the current declining scenario of export trade and asked the government to work for the promotion of export trade. Bikash Ratna Dhwaka, Vice President of Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN), Namgyal Lama, Founder President of ECON also highlighted the problems being faced by exporters and export trade of the country. Radesh Panta, Managing Director of Bank of Kathmandu Ltd. assured to provide privilege to exporters to promote export trade.

Likewise, Arjun Bhattarai, Coordinator of Membership Sub Committee and Members of the Sub Committee Ishwor Bahadur Gurung and Keshav Raj Pandey were awarded Certificate of Appreciation with Token of Love for performing as the best among the Sub Committees of ECON for the period of 2063-2064. Knhaiya Shah, coordinator of Event Organizing Sub-Committee received award for his excellent performance. HLK Pvt Ltd, Amrita Craft Pvt Ltd, Himalayan Export House, K.L International and Mountain packers and Movers got consolation awards for having submitted their export data of the FY 2063/064 to the Council.

Also CIP holder among ECON members Raju Shrestha, Managing Director of Aseatic Traders & Exporters, Swoyambhu Ratna Tuladhar, Managing Director of Yak & Yeti Enterprises P. Ltd. and Him Lal Kapri, Managing Director of HLK P. Ltd. were awarded by Letter of Honour and Token of Love. FNCCI was awarded by Token of Love and Certificate of Appreciation for providing membership to ECON. ECON also awarded Token of Love to the Chief Guest Purushottam Ojha for inaugurating as well as addressing the AGM.

Also DHL Express Nepal P. Ltd., Bank of Kathmandu Ltd., Everest Insurance Company Ltd., Hotel Marsyandi and BizMantra were awarded with Token of Love and Certificate of Appreciating for their meticulous support for the development of ECON as the business/technical partner.