Kathmandu. The Office of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Nepal organized a flag-hoisting ceremony and special programme in Kathmandu on Monday to mark Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.

The ceremony was held at the IME Complex in Panipokhari, where Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in Nepal and Chairman of IME Group, unfurled Indonesia’s national flag.

Speaking at the event, Dhakal said the friendship between Nepal and Indonesia has continued to strengthen since the two countries formally established diplomatic relations in 1960. He said bilateral cooperation has expanded particularly in trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

Dhakal highlighted the potential for further economic cooperation between the two countries, saying greater collaboration between the private sectors, promotion of tourism and expansion of investment could help take bilateral relations to a new level.

According to the Office of the Honorary Consul, trade and investment between Nepal and Indonesia have been growing in recent years. Nepal imports edible oils, coal, petroleum products and paper-related goods from Indonesia, while exports from Nepal include leather, tea, coffee and handicraft products.

However, Nepal continues to face a trade imbalance with Indonesia. The Office of the Honorary Consul said greater efforts are needed to increase Nepal’s exports to Indonesia and attract more Indonesian direct investment to Nepal.

Dhakal thanked members of the Indonesian community in Nepal for their participation and reaffirmed the Office’s commitment to expanding cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment and tourism.

The Independence Day programme also highlighted Indonesia’s economic, social and cultural significance. The organizers said such programmes would further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Nepal and Indonesia.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Indonesian community in Nepal, staff of the Office of the Honorary Consul, senior officials and representatives of various organizations under IME Group, well-wishers and other dignitaries.

Published Time: 16:11 PM