“We have already taken initiatives to take SGHP forward,” said Dr Tilachandra Bhattarai, president of Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI). [break]He said the CCCI will formally feature the project and invite private sector to put its money in the project during the 10-day Chitwan Festival that starts from January 9.
SGHP, which has a capacity to produce 225 MW electricity, has been one of the most talked about projects among residents and entrepreneurs of Chitwan. However, it has been failing to attract investors´ attention.
“We will market the project in the best possible way during ´Invest mid-Nepal´ campaign at the sidelines of the festival,” said Dr Bhattarai.
Businessmen even disclosed to Republica that Jeeva Lamichhane, a non-resident Nepali who originally hails from Chitwan and a Japanese firm has shown interest in the project.
Should the project materialize, CCCI officials said Chitwan will be self-reliant on power.
Not just on SGHP, Dr Bhattarai said CCCI has taken an initiative to lure investment in all the districts of the mid-Nepal. “The government announced 2012/13 as the Investment Year, but did nothing. So, we have decided to lure investment in the region ourselves,” said Dr Bhattarai.
Under the campaign, CCCI has targeted to identify at least one potential investment project in each district of mid-Nepal and feature them to attract investment.
The projects that the CCCI has identified in its potential list include sectors like education, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.
Construction of road linking Chitwan and Kathmandu-Hetauda Tunnel Road is one such project. Development of Nagarban - an islet on the Narayani River -- as a tourism spot, development of a large tourism zone, mega health and education projects, commercialization of agriculture and poultry, among others are other projects incorporated in the list.
“Thirty-two chambers in mid-Nepal have so far listed 15 different projects for Invest mid-Nepal campaign,” said Uttam Lal Chuke, former president of CCCI.
Foreign and domestic investors, diplomats and others would be holding discussions on those and also other projects for three days of Invest mid-Nepal event.
Central Regional Industrial and Trade Fair too will be held simultaneously during the Chitwan Festival. The fair will give an opportunity to the local producers and service providers to showcase and sell their products and services.
CCCI, Ratnanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bharatpur and Ratnanagar municipalities are jointly organizing the festival. The organizers have said visitors can also enjoy cultural programs, boating on the Narayani River and heli-sightseeing during the festival.
The organizers have estimated that 425 stalls participating in the festival would do a business of more than Rs 250 million. They have set entrance fee at Rs 20 for students and Rs 40 for others.
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