Zambia to support mining industry in Nepal

Kathmandu, September 13 — Zambia's non-resident ambassador to Nepal, Percy Patson Chanda has expressed commitment for exchange of technical support in the mining and exploration of minerals in Nepal.

The Zambian envoy said this during a courtesy call on Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari today. 

In the meeting held at the Ministry, Ambassador Chanda said that Nepal and Zambia have similar type of topographical features and the Zambian government is ready to collaborate in the exploration of mines and mining between the two countries. 

On the occasion, Minister Bhandari said both countries are least developed and land-locked, therefore, they have the same challenges and development goals, adding there is immense possibility for both nations to share their experience especially in trade, agriculture, tourism and mining industry.

"Nepal has placed the mineral exploration in priority and there is possibility of exchange of cooperation with Zambia in the mining industry as the latter is more advanced than Nepal in this sector," he said.

The Minister also opined that Zambia could be an important base for Nepal in expanding its relations in the African continent due to the location of Zambia. According to him, Zambia also could take social, cultural and geographical benefit from Nepal's multi-faceted geography, culture and potentialities. 

Ambassador Chanda shared on the occasion that the Zambian mining industry has an annual turnover of at least Rs 600 billion and its technical workforce is skilled. 

"There is a good potential of mines and mineral industry in Nepal also. Exchange of cooperation between Zambia and Nepal should be started soon establishing coordination between both countries' the ministries concerned," Ambassador Chanda said. 

Director General of the Department of Mines and Geology, Ram Prasad Ghimire, briefed the Zambian ambassador on Nepal's mines and minerals, said Ananda Bhatta, Minister Bhandari's private secretary. 

Chief of the Bilateral Trade Division at the Ministry and spokesperson Baburam Adhikari and Chief of the Multi-sectoral Trade Division, Devraj Joshi, among the Ministry officials were also present on the occasion.