The 9 th Annual General Meeting of the Export Council of Nepal (ECON) was held on March 17, 2006 at The Malla Hotel, Lainchaur, Kathmandu, Nepal. Mr. Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Assistant Minister for Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply, inaugurated the formal session of the AGM. He also released the special edition 'Souvenir' published by the ECON.

Addressing the program, Minister Shrestha stated that the government is seeking the support from the private sector to boost the export trade of the country. He said he has asked the business communities to come forward with common agenda in order to make export trade better. Pointing out the need of common programs among the entrepreneurs he made it clear that the government is serious and ready to support the exporters.

Mr. Raju Shrestha, the President of the ECON, welcomed all the participants of the programs. He clearly presented the problems and the hurdles of the export business. He urged the government and the business apex bodies to come forward with a clear vision and programs to solve problems in the export business. Outlining the importance of export trade in the national economy, he requested the government to support and cooperate. He said only interactions and the discussions are not enough to promote the export, but a good strategy and follow up are essential. He also said it is important to know about the rules and regulations of the other countries too.

Mr. Jagadish Khetan, the Acting President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) appreciated the contribution made by the ECON. He emphasized the need of common efforts to make the export trade better.

Mr. Kush Kumar Joshi, the second Vice President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stated that the government needs to form one committee comprising the exporters to strengthen Nepalese export. Joshi urged the government to come forward with constructive activity. He also promised to form a committee under FNCCI to solve export related problems.

President of the ECON presented gifts to the Assistant Minister, the Acting President of NCC and the second Vice President of FNCCI. He also presented gifts to the Country Manager of DHL Pvt. Ltd. Mr. Mukaunda Malla, the Chief Marketing Office of Bank of Kathmandu Ltd. Mr. Motikaji Tuladhar and the Deputy General Manager of Everest Insurance Company Ltd. Mr. Kewal Krishna Shrestha for their support on various activities of the council.

Assistant Minister Mr. Rajesh Kazi Shrestha awarded 'Letter of Appreciation' to the Top Ten Exporters among the ECON members and Ex-Board Members of the ECON. He also gave 'Letter of Appreciation' to Mr. Bishnu Prasad Banskota, legal advisor, for his contribution to the ECON.