Economic relations should not be hostage of political disputes

Kathmandu December 30- Politicians, industrialists and economists on Tuesday urged India not to mix the political issues with the economic agendas as the Indian trade blockade on Nepal continues to cripple the country’s economy.

Speaking at an interaction titled ‘Nepal-India Trade, Transit and economy: Past, Present and Future’, they said that bilateral economic relations should not be the hostage of political differences. Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae was among those in attendance at the event jointly organised by the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs.

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari  said that the two countries should focus on mutual economic benefits by forming joint committees comprising traders, government representatives and experts to boost bilateral trade and investment.

Former Commerce Secretary Purushottam Ojha said the current problem cropped up as India put political and economic agendas in a single basket. He urged both the governments for a joint effort to resolve the present impasse.