I have presented two news here. Both I have copied from a Indian Business News Paper THE BUSINESS LINE. One was published today and one seems to be bit old but very much related to the one which was published today. Let's see how far they can work together. From the interests of both countries, I see these projects as a path breaking events and if we can tap the India's economic boom by tieing friendly relations, then, I do not see why Nepal can not gain within short time. Hope that political rivalry and inconfidence does not hinder the economic ties.
Indian cos keen to tap Nepal's hydel potential'
Rahul Wadke
Nepal seeks a revival for the sector
Mumbai Feb. 18 Nepal has an estimated hydropower potential of 1,00,000 MW but practically nothing is harnessed. The sector remains untapped, as the Nepalese Government has limited resources. Recently, the sector was opened to private participation and a number of Indian companies have also shown keen interest in developing the hydropower sector, said Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, the Finance Minister of Nepal.
Dr Mahat was talking to Business Line on the sidelines of the Second SAARC Business Leaders Conclave. He said that the bids for Upper Karnali, Arun-III and Budhi Gandaki projects have already been called.
The bids would be opened in a few weeks. Companies like Reliance, GMR Group, Tata, L&T and the J P Group have shown interest in developing these projects, which have the capacity to generate 300 to 600 MW, he said.
Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/02/19/stories/2007021904360100.htm
India, Nepal to co-operate in hydropower sector
New Delhi, Nov. 8
India and Nepal have expressed their eagerness to cooperate in the development of Nepal's hydroelectric potential.
At a luncheon meeting in honour of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Mr K.P. Sharma Oli, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), it emerged that several Indian companies are keen to invest in the development of Nepal's hydroelectric sector.
"Nepal hopes to forge synergistic partnerships with Indian companies, especially in developing its water resources, infrastructure, roads, and power and agri-business sectors. Hydro-power is of special interest to India to assist in its own development," said Mr Oli.
Peace is a prerequisite for attracting investment and Nepal has witnessed a decade-long insurgency, he said. "Now, we expect an end to the armed conflict very shortly. The Maoists are expected to surrender their arms. We expect this to improve the investment climate in Nepal even further," he said.
Underlining the importance of hydro-power development, the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Mr Shivashankar Mukherjee, said there was great interest by several Indian companies to enter this sector in Nepal at the Bilateral Power Summit held in Kathmandu in September. The two countries will shortly set up cross-border transmission highways that will spur a new trade in power.
"The renewal of the Indo-Nepal trade treaty in March 2007 will address non-tariff and para-tariff barriers to imports from Nepal, services, manufacturing, education, health, tourism and IT and ITES," Mr Mukherjee said. Since the agreement was signed in 1996, bilateral trade has grown to $2 billion and 40 per cent of the tourists who visit Nepal by air come from India. There has been a 40 per cent jump in investments from India into Nepal.
Source: http://www.blonnet.com/2006/11/09/stories/2006110904601000.htm
