Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and the Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) held a productive interaction meeting to explore avenues for cooperation in trade, transit facilitation and tourism promotion, with a shared objective of supporting Nepal’s economic growth and entrepreneurship development.

Welcoming the NICCI delegation, BCCI President Roshani Maiya Dhaubanja introduced the chamber and highlighted Bhaktapur’s economic and cultural strengths. She described Bhaktapur as a traditional city rich in cultural and religious heritage, with significant potential for tourism-led development.

“BCCI is actively focusing on the promotion of agriculture, handicrafts and tourism,” Dhaubanja said. “Alongside these sectors, we are also working to preserve and promote traditional Nepali products such as the Bhadgaule Topi and Bhaktapur’s famous curd, Juju Dhau.”

NICCI President Sunil KC briefed the participants on NICCI’s role in facilitating bilateral trade and encouraged closer engagement between the two chambers, particularly on export-related issues.

“India is not only Nepal’s gateway for exports but also the largest market for Nepali goods and services,” KC said. “We invite BCCI members to consult with NICCI whenever they face challenges in exports. By continuing dialogue and complementing each other’s efforts, we can work together toward our common goal of promoting Nepal.”

During the interaction, BCCI members sought NICCI’s support in trade and transit facilitation, especially in customs procedures related to handicraft exports and the import of various goods from India. They also requested assistance in promoting tourism in Bhaktapur, including its centuries-old temples like Changu Narayan and Doleshwar Mahadev and heritage sites.

Responding to these concerns, NICCI vice president Kunal Kayal reaffirmed NICCI’s commitment to collaboration. “NICCI is ready to join hands with BCCI to support capacity building and help promote Bhaktapur’s products and tourism potential,” he said.

NICCI General Secretary Rajan Sharma also assured BCCI of technical support, particularly in training related to trade and transit issues. “We are committed to assisting BCCI through training and knowledge-sharing to help address trade and transit challenges,” Sharma said.

The meeting concluded with both chambers agreeing to work closely on trade, transit and tourism-related initiatives, recognizing collaboration as a key driver for sustainable economic growth and entrepreneurship development in Nepal.

About NICCI
The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) is a non-profit, non-governmental bi-national organization established to promote and strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Nepal and India. Formed in 1993 by late Prabhakar SJB Rana, and formally registered in 1994, NICCI serves as a unique platform that connects entrepreneurs, businesses, and key stakeholders from both countries to explore mutually beneficial opportunities. Through timely information, market analysis, research, and thematic programs, the Chamber supports its members in identifying viable sectors, projects, and partnerships while expanding and sustaining their operations. Working closely with government and non-government institutions, NICCI facilitates strategic collaborations, advocates for member interests, and addresses business-related challenges, with the broader goal of deepening economic interdependence and fostering shared prosperity between Nepal and India.

About BCCI
Established in 1967 by late Ganesh Bhakta Sakha, the Bhaktapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is a non-political, non-profit representative organization dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the collective interests of industry and commerce in Bhaktapur District. As an independent institutional voice of the local business community, BCCI works to foster a favorable business environment while maintaining affiliation with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). Since embarking on a structured phase of organizational development in the early 1990s, BCCI has demonstrated remarkable institutional growth, culminating in the achievement of ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System certification in 2003, reflecting its commitment to professionalism, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

It was originally published on nepalkhabar.