IIA, Nepal delegation discuss trade, MSME cooperation

Lucknow: A delegation from Nepal and the Indian Industries Association (IIA) held a strategic dialogue on Saturday to explore ways to strengthen trade, investment and MSME cooperation between Nepal and Uttar Pradesh.The meeting focused on expanding bilateral engagement in sectors including food processing, agro-based industries, tourism, cross-border logistics, information technology, renewable energy and manufacturing.The Nepal delegation, led by Chargé d’Affaires Dr Surendra Thapa, included Economic minister Tara Nath Adhikari, Economic counsellor Rabindra Jung Thapa and Accounts counsellor Bhesh Prasad Bhurtel. The delegation interacted with industrialists, exporters and MSME representatives from across Uttar Pradesh.IIA officials said the dialogue aimed to translate the cultural and geographical proximity between India and Nepal into stronger economic partnerships. “This is the right time to convert the existing goodwill into practical business opportunities,” said chairman of IIA’s International Relations Cell Aman Agrawal.During the discussions, the Nepal delegation shared details of investment opportunities in Nepal, its liberal foreign investment policies, special economic zones and ongoing business-friendly reforms.Addressing the gathering, Thapa said India-Nepal ties were rooted in a shared history, culture and strong people-to-people connections. He added that deeper economic cooperation with Uttar Pradesh could contribute to regional prosperity.