November 23: Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Rajendra Malla has urged the concerned authorities to operate Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport at full capacity.

Speaking at the 'Sixth Lumbini Regional Festival' which started in Bhairahawa on Wednesday, Malla said that the private sector’s investment worth billions of rupees was at risk because the airport could not operate at full capacity.

Malla said that along with the operation of the airport, Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, should also be made a center of attraction for international tourists.

“The private sector invested millions of rupees with the hope that commercial activities will increase after the operation of the airport. But that has not happened and the investment is at risk. The government needs to pay attention to this aspect,” said Malla.

In a different context, NCC President Malla said that Bhairahawa SEZ should be put into operation through public private partnership. He stressed on the need to control illegal trade, which is taking place unabated due to the advantage of the open border with India.