Zambia has expressed an interest to collaborate with Nepal in the areas of mining and mineral exploration, offering technical support to enhance the sector in Nepal.
Percy Patson Chanda, the Non-Resident Ambassador of Zambia to Nepal, during a courtesy meeting with Damodar Bhandari, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, noted the geographical similarities between Zambia and Nepal and expressed Zambia's willingness to collaborate in mining and mineral extraction.
Ambassador Chanda also emphasised that Zambia's mining industry has an impressive annual turnover of approximately Rs 600 billion and its technical workforce is skilled.
“There is a significant opportunity for the mining and mineral industry in Nepal,” said Chanda. “We should initiate cooperation and establish effective coordination between our respective ministries.”
Minister Bhandari welcomed the offer, noting that both Zambia and Nepal, as least developed and landlocked countries, face similar challenges and development objectives.
He emphasised the potential for mutual benefit through the exchange of experiences in trade, agriculture, tourism, and particularly in the mining industry.
“Nepal has prioritised mineral exploration, and there is a possibility of cooperation with Zambia in the mining industry, as Zambia is more advanced than Nepal in this sector,” Minister Bhandari said.
During the meeting, Director General of the Department of Mines and Geology, Ram Prasad Ghimire, provided an overview of Nepal's mining sector to Ambassador Chanda.
Baburam Adhikari, Chief of the Bilateral Trade Division and spokesperson at the Ministry, and Devraj Joshi, Chief of the Multi-sectoral Trade Division were also present during the occasion.
RSS
