Kathmandu, July 14: The newly-appointed Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava has clarified that the export ban imposed by the Indian government on some commodities, including wheat and sugar, is not applicable for Nepal.

Speaking at a formal meeting organised here today by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Srivastava assured that government of India is in favour of economic development of Nepal along with India. 

"India is always ready to help Nepal in any endeavour," he said.

FNCCI President Shekhar Golchha informed that Nepali industries were facing problems after the Indian government decided to ban the export on some essential goods.

Golchha raised the issues of investment expansion in Nepal, infrastructure development of trade ports, standardisation of laboratories and expansion of labs, non-customs barriers, among others, during the meeting.

He also said that Indian assistance was essential to reduce the trade deficit, which is a matter of concern for Nepal. Drawing attention to the failure to rebuild the Mirganj Bridge for a long time, he urged for commencement of its reconstruction.

He urged the government of India to consider expansion of Indian joint ventures in Nepal and construction of railways to main border areas, and to address the delay in export of agricultural produce due to lack laboratories.

And he suggested reviewing the problems that have been seen mainly in agricultural production and export of herbs due to non-tariff barriers. He also called for the use of two more ports for trade with third countries.