August 21: Myanmar's ambassador to Nepal, U Sein Oo informed that preparations are underway to start direct flights from Yangoon, Myanmar to the newly-built Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. Ambassador Oo informed this while addressing the opening session of the 12th Annual General Assembly of the Nepal Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, adding that the Embassy of Myanmar in Kathmandu has already sent a proposal to the government in this regard.

“Since there is a harmonious relationship between the two countries at the citizen level, we are going to expand trade and economic relations between the two countries as well as establish air connectivity,” said the ambassador.

Speaking at the event, Nepal’s ambassador designate to Myanmar Harish Chandra Ghimire, said that there is a great potential for cultural, trade and linguistic exchange between these two countries. He added that Myanmar is acting as a bridge between SAARC and ASEAN countries. Referring the Nepalese in Myanmar as second biggest diaspora, Ghimire said that they can act as 'soft power' in the case of Nepal.

The president of the chamber, Shiva Kumar Agrawal requested the governments of both countries to work towards the establishment of direct air links for the promotion of bilateral trade, investment and tourism.

“We want to promote trade, investment and tourism between Nepal and Myanmar. Direct air connectivity is necessary for both countries to benefit from the potential of both sides,” said Agrawal. He also informed that the chamber is working to strengthen economic, cultural and citizen-level relations between the two countries.

The opening session of the General Assembly was addressed by Rajesh Agarwal, vice president of Confederation of Nepalese Industry, Sunil Kumar Bansal, president of Nepal Overseas Exporters Association, Lokmanya Golcha, outgoing dean of Consular Corps Nepal and others.