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Kathmandu: The government is allocating Rs 250 million for the construction of a domes­tic airport at Nagidanda of Kavrepalanchowk district, at a distance of 24 kilometers from the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. The airport is being constructed in order to relieve the growing pressure on the TIA, which is so far the country’s only interna­tional conduit. The money will be spent by the Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on feasibility study and preparing a detained project report.

The new airport, which will handle only domestic flights, is expected to cut air traffic at TIA by up to 31 percent. When the new airport is complete, the bigger international airlines will dock at the TIA, while the smaller planes that ply the domestic routes will dock at the Nagidanda airport.

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Avi­ation Rabindra Adhikari has been emphasiz­ing the urgent need for an airport that could take some pressure off the TIA ever since he assumed office four months ago. He had even set up a technical team to study the project. The team led by Engineer Kamal Kumar KC had concluded that the burden on the TIA would be significantly reduced with a second airport close by.

But yet another team that was set up by Adhikari to study what could be done to improve the overall civil aviation sector in Nepal had come to the conclusion that the country did not need any airport that catered exclusively to domestic passengers for another five years.

Nonetheless, the government is in a mood to endorse the report of KC’s technical team. According to this team, the construction cost of the Nagidanda airport, with a proposed run­away of 1,202 meters, will come to around Rs 8.5 billion. But if the runway is only 800 meters, the cost will drop to Rs 5.5 billion.

The technical team has said that works can begin, at the earliest, only a year after the formal announcement of airport construction; the airport is expected to take around 4-5 years to compete. When it is ready, small aircraft, aircraft flying to Lukla and helicopters will be directed to this new airport.

By Uttam Kapri

 If there is one thing China looks for while dealing with foreign countries, it is stability. In the under­standing of the Chinese leadership, countries, including China, can progress only if it has a stable polity. This can in turn be guaranteed only by strong national leaders, which partly explains President Xi Jin­ping’s centralization of powers in China; and it explains why the Chinese are so optimistic about the future of Nepal-China relations. President Xi and the Chinese leadership are ready to do business with perhaps the strongest prime minister in Nepal’s democratic history, who promises five years of uninterrupted reign.

Chinese scholars and diplomats alike were frustrat­ed by the constantly changing cast of characters in Singadurbar, with the Nepali government on average changing every nine months. Earlier, China used to see the monarchy as the guarantor of stability, but after its removal, it had been on a lookout for another depend­able ally in Nepal. And it has found one in KP Sharma Oli. This is what makes us optimistic that the agree­ments that PM Oli has signed with China, both during his first state visit in 2016 and during his second one in 2018, will be implemented.

Most significantly, President Xi expressed his confi­dence that the “rail network that runs through Shang­hai, Lhasa and Shigatse will reach Kathmandu, helping Nepal’s quest for development and prosperity.” Never before had the Chinese leadership expressed such faith in the cross-border rail network. Other bilateral agreements are aimed at increasing people-to-people and trade connectivity and helping the Nepali govern­ment achieve its dream of ‘prosperous Nepal, happy Nepalis’. There is one on development of cross-border power transmission lines, which, if realized, would reduce Nepal’s dependence on India both for the development and market-access for its electricity. An oversight mechanism has been established to ensure the Chinese projects in Nepal are completed on time.

These are all vital developments. Even as he increas­es his outreach to China, PM Oli has also been able to take his Indian counterpart into confidence. He must be given credit for this deft balancing act. Even if the record of his government on the domestic front is mixed, on foreign policy, it passes with flying colors so far. Perhaps the biggest test of his foreign policy will come via the Kerung-Kathmandu rail-link project, with its attendant geopolitical and economic implications, when the feasibility study is complete in August.

The ease with which Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been dealing with Nepal’s two all-important neighbors in recent times is indicative of two things. One, it sug­gests a level of diplomatic acumen and strategic vision that is rarely seen in a Nepali prime minister. Oli has been able to take both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping into confidence, a gargantuan achieve­ment for the prime minister of a country that has always felt itself stretched in that age-old geopolitical tug-of-war. Part of this confidence must come from Oli’s command of a government with a two-thirds majority. Partly, it can be argued, one thing Oli has never lacked is confidence, which he has now carried over in his foreign policy dealings.

Two, PM Oli’s relatively smooth foreign policy ride is also reflective of the recent thawing of relations between India and China. Modi and Xi seems to have developed a rare camaraderie as they see the rationale for greater cooperation in light of the increasingly protectionist tendencies of the US. India is far from assured that the mercantilist America under Donald Trump can be relied on to safeguard its stra­tegic interests, which in turn has brought it closer to China. Perhaps, then, India and China have agreed on greater coop­eration in South Asia, including in Nepal?

On June 20, Chinese President Xi, in his meeting with PM Oli in Beijing, said he was confident the Chinese rail would soon come to Kathmandu. (The feasibility study for the Kath­mandu-Kerung section of the proposed Nepal-China railway is to be completed by August.) On being invited by Oli to come visit Nepal, Xi accepted the invitation, saying that the exact dates would be decided on the basis of bilateral consul­tations. A host of other long-term bilateral agreements were also signed during Oli’s Beijing stay.

And yet the Indian media, which used to blow hot and cold over any kind of rapprochement between Nepal and China, has this time mostly chosen to stay quiet on Oli’s China visit. The Indian media seems to have internalized the not-so-sub­tle message from the South Block that the old anti-China bias be set aside for time being.

Perhaps PM Oli deems himself capable of extracting bene­fits from the recent thaw in India-China ties. He just might but he should tread carefully. Historically, in a battle among big powers for geopolitical supremacy, the interests of smaller countries are often ignored, or badly trampled upon. This has been as true in South Asia as it has been in the South China Sea.

Those planning to stay home and watch the World Cup may not like this section. But for those who like a little company to egg their team on, or those who fancy a match-time drink (or two) but don’t store beers in their refrigerators in lieu of their bulging tummies, APEX brings to you a select list of places in the K-town where you can watch the beautiful game—and have some fun while you are at it.

Yak and Yeti, Durbarmarg

Perhaps the most exciting offers come via Hotel Yak & Yeti, which is airing the FIFA World Cup 2018 live at Piano Bar. There are various customer engaging promotions, offers as well as a lucky draw to boot.
Special engaging activity includes ‘GET LUCKY WITH HOTEL YAK & YETI SUPER FAN CLUB’, where one can win various original FIFA merchandise by predicting the winning team. Also following prizes are up for grabs. If you guess three matches right, you get a dinner voucher for two.
Moreover, spend over Rs 2,000 and you will enter a lucky draw for a free round trip ticket to ‘anywhere in the world’ within Qatar Airways’ destinations. There are also special offers on drinks and beverages. Why better way to revive the flagging
Spanish spirits?

Amuse Café & Restro, Boudha

Easily the best place to hang-out in the Boudha area. Amuse Café & Restro, with live music, friendly service and a roof-top view is a big attraction for young hearts. Food and beverages are reasonably priced and with owners behaving like your buddies, unmatched hospitality is guaranteed.
You can spend your time either on the roof, from where you can see most of the Boudha area, or indoors. Wherever you decide to park yourself, live World Cup matches can be enjoyed with special offers in beverages. The best part: You can shout as loud as you fancy. Kane and company desperately need your vocal support.

Tiger Sports Bar & Billiards, Lazimpat

A place specially designed for sports and sports related activities, Tiger Sports Bar & Billiards is one of the best hangout places for sport-lovers in town. And what better time to go there than during the biggest sporting extravaganza on the planet? Tiger Sports Bar & Billiards screens every game of the World Cup till wee hours, in what is a raucous atmosphere created by die-hard football fans. With good food, beverage and plenty of people around, this is one place you would like to be to catch the real Cup fever. Viva la Brazil!

Ventures Café, Baluwatar

If you are looking for a restaurant with delicious food, good environment and a variety of craft beers, this is the place for you. Despite the café’s location in the busy business hub of Baluwatar, the vibe you get is of a countryside inn—calm and peaceful. It will make you feel right at home.
Along with screening World Cup matches in small screens, Ventures Café has special offers right through this month. For instance, the more football fanatics you bring along, the lesser will be your contribution to the final bill, with the café offering combo meals deals. You can guzzle down as much (heavily-discounted) booze and beverages as you fancy. One for
Messi, then?

Ambrosia, Bansbari

A wonderful restaurant with cozy ambience, delicious foods and good music, Ambrosia offers it all. Special World Cup menus, a big projector in an open garden, a relaxed atmosphere, this is the perfect place to take your family this World Cup season. Perhaps your family fancies the Belgian delights.

CALM, Tangal

The name says it all. CALM occupies a quiet place inside the Tangalwood premises, near Gahanapokhari, Tangal. With plenty of parking space and both indoors and outdoor seating options, it has abundant space and great hospitality. The antique touch decor is
fine too.
But this World Cup, expect plenty of noise, as CALM offers special screenings, both indoors and outdoors, this World Cup month. In fact, the whole venue is set and themed for the World Cup, with the huge projector set in the garden area being the centerpiece. Keep CALM and support the magical Ronaldo.

Weekly Editorial Cartoon

THE MENU

Chef’s Special:

- Spaghetti Carbonara

- Ricotta Pizza

- Fish N Chips

Location: New Road

Cards: Accepted

Meal for 2: Rs 1500

Reservation: 014243333

New Road—the old shopping haven of Kath­mandu and the cultural center of this ancient city—is also the home of street foods, lightning fast and cheap. Almost every other door opens to a place where one can get a quick bite. But what if one wants to spend some time relishing the meal in a nice environment, and also escape the heat of the commercial zone? The newly opened New Road-branch of the Black Water Restro and Bar is such a place where you can relax with your food, and at affordable prices too. The New Road branch of Black Water, located in the New Road Complex, has become popular for its beautiful ambiance and affordable menu. Sandwiches, burgers, noodles, pasta, friend chicken are some popular orders that Black Water receives along with its various offerings of pizza, which it claims to be “probably the best pizza in town.”

The government is making the operation of ships its primary agenda at the fourth Bengal Ini­tiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMS­TEC) summit, which is taking place in Kathmandu in August. Prime Min­ister KP Sharma Oli will represent Nepal at the summit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making prepa­rations in line with the government’s plan to promote international trade and investment. The ministry has informed that it is working to attract BIMSTEC member states’ attention to the prospect of operating ships. Nepal is also going to lobby for agreements on energy, technology, customs and transport. It is formu­lating short-, medium- and long-term plans to work with member states. PM Oli, in his meeting with BIMS­TEC’s Secretary General Shahidul Islam last month, had also raised the topic of ships. Oli is reported to have said in the meeting that ships would help countries around the Bay of Bengal better connect with each other.

Nepal has already prepared a draft agreement to establish BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection. According to the agreement, a coordination com­mittee would be formed, which in turn would formulate a master plan, opening up doors for energy trading among the BIMSTEC member states.

Krishna Prasad Dhakal, a Joint Secretary at the MoFA, said that the summit will be a success only if all member states are fully on board. He added that Nepal, for its part, is fully prepared. Dhakal also said that various issues between Nepal and its close neighbors (India, Bangladesh and Bhu­tan) are also high up on the summit’s agenda.

That the regional grouping’s summit is talking place after 14 years is unusual. Even so, the exact dates have not been finalized. “The delay in finalizing the date is due to the failure to hold a Secretary-level BIMSTEC Working Group meeting with Bangladesh,” said Rabi Shankar Sainju, spokesperson at the Min­istry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. “The meeting is slated to take place in Bhutan in July. It will discuss the progress made in line with the previous summit’s commit­ments. But we are yet to receive an invitation,” said Sainju.

“They haven’t expressed much interest in the meeting partly because it does not zero in on eco­nomic activities. Important eco­nomic topics haven’t been a top priority ever since political, cultural and other issues were also included on BIMSTEC’s agenda in 2004,” said Sainju. “BIMSTEC’s significance will go up once there is considerable economic activity among member states.”

The summit is considered import­ant for formulating high-level poli­cies. However, only three summits—in 2004, 2008 and 2014—have been held so far. A BRICS-BIMS­TEC Outreach Summit had been held in Goa in 2016 at the spe­cial initiative of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BIMSTEC was formed in Bangkok on June 6, 1997; Nepal became a full member in 2004. Currently, BIMSTEC member states include Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myan­mar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Member states are collabo­rating on 14 main issues, among them trade and investment, technology, energy, transport and telecommunications, tour­ism, fishery, agriculture, cultural cooperation, and poverty allevia­tion. Nepal is the lead country on poverty-alleviation.

The ruling Communist Party of Nepal has repeatedly expressed its commitment to battling car­tels and syndicates in every sector. It has done a few things too. The registration of various transport cartels has been cancelled. The syn­dicate involved in exploiting Malay­sia-bound Nepali laborers has been busted. The government also seems to be getting tough on the syndicates on daily edibles. And yet most peo­ple seem unsatisfied, or unsure of the government intent. “The government is advertising that the syndicates in different sectors have been broken. But the reality is that most consumers are yet to see any tangible change in their daily lives,” says Jyoti Baniya, a senior advocate and President of the Forum for Protection of Consumer Rights Nepal.

The battle against the syndi­cates began in April 2018 with the issuance of the Transport Manage­ment Directive that threatened to break transport monopolies. The government decision was met with massive protests of transport entrepreneurs amassed under the umbrella organization of the Federa­tion of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs Association.

Unlike what happened in former times, the government of the day did not budge to this pressure tactic. After making various arrests and cancelling the route permits of the protesting companies, the trans­port federation backed off and new bus companies were added on the Araniko Highway, which had been at the heart of the power struggle between the government and the transport syndicates.

Subsequently, Mayur Yatyat, Sajha Yatayat, City Metro, Mahanagar Yatayat, Shiva Darshan, Madhya Upatyaka and Annapurna received ‘direct permits’ from the govern­ment and have since started their services. “But these buses are not enough to meet the high demand,” says Baniya. The consumer rights activist believes that many more transport companies need to be introduced to completely do away with the syndicates in the sector.

Moreover, the government intent to take on transport syndicates has been a suspect following some questionable transfers of the bureaucrats involved in recent syn­dicate-busting activities.

Manpower mess

The government recently can­celled the registration of a few com­panies that had created a syndicate for Malaysia-bound workers.

Since 2013, four different compa­nies—the One Stop Solution (OSC), the Malaysia VLN Nepal Pvt. Ltd, the GSG Services Nepal, and MiGram—had formed a syndicate that together earned Rs 4.6 billion on the pretext of providing medical checkups, visa stamping, security clearance, pass­port collection and online registra­tion services to the Malaysia-bound laborers. On assuming office, the Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista swiftly revoked their license and had those who had restricted free competition for bio-metric health checkups of migrant workers arrested.

Manpower company operators, however, believe the government acted in haste. “The companies involved were established in coor­dination with the Malaysian govern­ment. Shutting them down without proper homework could affect thou­sands of Nepali workers set to leave for Malaysia,” says one such opera­tor on the condition of anonymity.

“The government always attacks us without justification. We are a remittance-based economy and without recruitment agencies like us handling the demand and supply of workers, how does the government expect to increase remittance?” he asks. This manpower operator says he alone spent over two months and around Rs 5 million to create demands for Nepali workers in Malaysian compa­nies, to no avail.

Having set a strong precedent in the case of Malaysia, Nepal could be forced to get tough on labor export to other Gulf countries as well. Emulating Malaysia, Qatar, another big destination for Nepali migrant workers, is preparing to install a ‘one-door mechanism’ of its own to hire workers from Nepal and seven other countries. Qatar plans to open a private recruitment company that will take care of all migrant labor-related issues, from recruitment to departure. The extra costs will undoubtedly be passed on to the laborers applying to go to Qatar. Government officials declined to comment when APEX wanted to know if the government would also look to get tough on the prospective suppliers of manpower to Qatar.

Fruits of labor

Cartels are also responsible for artificially inflating the prices of daily commodities. Take the case of fruits and vegetables. The two main wholesale fruits and vegeta­bles markets in Kathmandu—Kali­mati and Balaju—have drawn the government’s attention following complains of irregular and unscien­tific pricing there.

Minister for Agriculture Chakra Pani Khanal made a surprise inspec­tion of the Kalimati market this week and identified various cartels. “We have shortlisted 434 businessmen who are involved in creating a syn­dicate in the vegetable market,” says Bomlal Giri, media coordinator for minister Khanal. “We have issued them stern warnings and have asked them to furnish clarifications.”

One example of the syndicates operating in Kalimati wholesale market is the one related to rent of the stalls there. The ministry found that a few businessmen have been occupying the same stalls for over 15 years. These businessmen pay around Rs 8,000-10,000 in rent to the market operator while they sublet the same space for up to Rs 200,000. This naturally translates into inflated end prices for the final consumers, much to their chagrin.

“I have been in the business of selling vegetables for a year now but I still have not been able to find the logic behind the pricing,” says Avilash Pantha, a shopkeeper who runs a vegetable store in Ranibari, Kathmandu. “The prices are raised in the wholesale markets but it is us, retail shopkeepers, who have to face the wrath of the customers.”

Minister Khanal’s visit to the Kali­mati market was followed by pro­tests by local businessmen, along with threats of imminent strikes. “But the ministry is ready to take them all on,” said a source at the agriculture ministry. In fact, with the help of the home ministry, the ministry of agriculture is planning to remove middlemen in vegetable markets across the country.

All in all, the all-powerful left gov­ernment has made some right nois­es and taken some bold decisions. But again, unless these cartel- and syndicate-busting measures trans­late into lower costs and ease of access for end consumers, they will be meaningless. That, in the end, will be the real test of the popularity of Oli government.