India keen to set up bio-technology based industries in Nepal

KATHMANDU: India today said it was keen to invest in bio-technology based industries in Nepal.

Indian entrepreneurs are willing to invest both capital and technology for setting up of biotech based industries in Nepal, the country's Ambassador to Nepal Jayant Prasad said.

He said "bio-technology can be a part of the growing bilateral development partnership between India and Nepal".

The unique biodiversity of Nepal and its favourable climate as well as large number of labourers make it an ideal location for establishing high-quality, cutting-edge biotech industries, Prasad said at the Nepal-India Natural Products Conference here.

Conference was organised by Indian Embassy here in collaboration with Centre for Molecular Dynamics Nepal.

"There is the need for an enabling environment, peace, stability, predictability in investment policies, and Nepali technologists and entrepreneurs as partners, to make a success of these ventures," he said.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest Minister for Science and Technology Kalpana Dhamala said, "Nepal can benefit a lot if we can utilise the unique natural herbs and medicinal plants at our disposal through the use of advanced technology."

There are many micro-organisms found in Nepal which can be used as natural anti-biotic and boost our agriculture, she said, stressing the need for conducting further scientific research and development to get maximum benefit from these natural products.

Nepal is home to more than 10,000 species of plants, including 500 indigenous species.