New Delhi, Sept 17: Expressing full support of the Indian Government in rapid economic development of Nepal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath has said that manufacturing industry in Nepal could be the harbinger of faster growth in trade and industry in the country.

During his bilateral meeting with Rajendra Mahato, Nepalese Minister for Commerce and Supplies, here last evening, Nath referred to the warm social and economic relations between the two countries.

He assured the Nepal Government that trade issues need to be identified on both sides and deliberated at the level of Chambers of Commerce mutually. Besides, he also ensures that benefits of progress are utilized by the business communities in both the countries.

On being informed that there are four SEZs that are being set up in Nepal, Nath offered to support them, based on any viable requests from the Nepalese side.

Both sides noted that formal trade relations between the two countries were established in 1951, with the signing of the Treaty of Trade. This Treaty is a symbol of the very special relationship that prevails between India and Nepal.

Nath further said that there is a possibility for export of paper and paper products from India to Nepal.

"As a trade facilitation measures, the Central Pulp and Paper Research Institute, could extend its services on development of human resources and technical capacities in the area of pulp and paper technology," Nath added. (ANI)