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10th Annual General Meeting(AGM) of Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NBCCI) was held on November 18, 2005 at Banquet Hall, Hotel de l’ Annapurna, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu. Representatives of 54 member organizations were present at the time of AGM. Business Session 1. Business session was commenced at 3.45 PM. On behalf of Vice President (Secretariat) of NBCCI, Mr. A. K. Sengupta, Manager Mr. Charan Gupta has confirmed that the necessary quorum has been fulfilled and hence President Mr. Rajendra. K. Khetan commenced the meeting ahead under his chairmanship. 2. Mr. Khetan, made a welcome Speech in which he welcomed Mr. Paul Bute, Deputy Head of Mission, The British Embassy and all the EC members and the general members of NBCCI. In his speech, he summarized them about the various activities of the Chamber held during the previous year 2061/62. He analyzed that the previous year was a difficult time for the business sector due to the uncertainty, political unrest and Maoist insurgency. He informed the members about the changes and the visits of high level officials at the British Embassy. 3. He informed that the chamber will complete its first decade of incorporation on 6th day of Mangsir 2062. He said that the chamber is primarily working for increasing trade, commerce, investment and serving thereby towards the socio-economic development of Nepal and bi-lateral relationship between Nepal and the UK. He insisted that peace and competitiveness are essential for facing global challenges posed by WTO, BIMESTEC, SAFTA etc. 4. He informed about the meetings of the Executive Committee Members and Office Bearers of the NBCCI. The meetings along-with the other Bi-national Chambers in terms of security and on politics, revenue & administrative issues under the umbrella of (ISG) Industrial Security Group were very successful. 5. Mr. Mahendra K. Shrestha, Sr. Vice President presented the Annual Report for the year 2061-62 prepared by the V P (Secretariat) Mr. A. K. Sengupta on behalf of Executive Committee Members. After discussions, Mr. Sujit Mundul of Standard Chartered Bank of Nepal proposed to pass the Annual Report. Mr. A. G. Sherpa of Mountain Carpets Industry seconded and the Annual Report was endorsed unanimously. Mr. Ramesh K. Shrestha Vice President (Finance) presented the Annual Accounts of the Chamber for the year 2061-62. It was observed that interest income would be reducing due to both fall in interest rates and reduction in extent due to excess of expenditure over income. He requested members for their suggestions for utilization of the accumulated surplus in a more revenue generating way. It is highlighted that the surplus is earning interest out of which expenses of the chamber are being met and any major spending will reduce the earnings & cash flow in that proportion and hence any proposal should be evaluated in that reference. 6. It was informed that the British Embassy had issued the letter to the NBCCI to shift its office from the Embassy. As a result there will be further expenses in terms of rent, office equipments, communication and other expenses. The discussion was made to hire of the premises for the chamber. Mr. B. P. Shrestha, Mr. Ganga Ram Shrestha along with other members also suggested for the same. Mr. Ganga Ram Shrestha of Fur & Crafts Nepal suggested holding programs for promotion of Nepalese exports. He also supported the idea of Mr. B. P. Shrestha to collect funds for the chamber’s buildings from the members as donations / contributions. After discussions, Mr. B. P. Shrestha of Nepali Paper Products Pvt. Ltd. proposed and Mr. Milan Bir Malakar of Shangri-la Creations Traders seconded for passing of accounts and the Annual Accounts were endorsed. 7. Mr. R. K. Khetan proposed for the appointment of auditors and their remuneration for the year 2062-63 and informed that M/s Deoki Bijay & company, existing auditors are eligible for re-appointment. Mr. Ganga Ram Shrestha proposed and Mr. B. P. Shrestha seconded to reappoint M/s Deoki Bijay & Company, Chartered Accountants as the auditors of the chamber for the year 2061-62 on existing remuneration of NPR 2000, which was passed by the members unanimously. 8. Mr. Khetan informed that since only required number of nominations for the post of the President and Executive Committee members have been received, there is no need for voting. He also informed that as per agenda, the Chief Election officer would make declaration of the election results in the Ceremonial Session of the AGM. 9. On the open floor interaction, Mr. B. P. Shrestha stressed on the business trade between Nepal and the Britain. He also concerned for increase in the membership of the chamber. Mr. Ravindra Man Sapkota of Everest Bi-tech Pvt. Ltd. said that the chamber is not that active as it was. He further suggested that the member’s achievements should also be published. Mr. Milan Bir Malakar of Shangri-la Creations stressed for the need of holding more talk and training programs for the members. 10. Replying to the issued rose in open interaction, Mr. Khetan requested all members to submit their suggestions for the training, programs, seminars, meetings and other events to be carried out by the chamber. He also agreed that the circumstances are not favorable for business and there is even risk investing capital. 11. Mr. Khetan thanked all the office bearers, Executive Committee members and the general members for all their contributions and support during his past seven year’s tenure as the president and he felt that the new Executive Committee under the leadership of Mr. Mahendra. K. Shrestha will take ahead. Mr. Mahendra K. Shrestha said that the chamber will continue to work for its members interests in future. He requested to the members to be more active. 12. Mr. Khetan asked for one nomination each from the Executive Committee and general members to sign the minutes of the AGM. The meeting decided that Mr. G. R. Shrestha from Executive Committee and Mr. B. P. Shrestha of Nepali Paper Products Pvt. Ltd. from general members shall sign the minutes. Mr. Khetan thanked all present for their active participation and declared conclusion of the business session of the AGM. He requested all members to join at 5.30 PM for the ceremonial session after the tea break. CEREMONIAL SESSION 13. Ceremonial session of the 10th AGM was held at 5.30 PM on November 18, 2005 at Banquet Hall, Hotel de l’ Annapurna, Kathmandu. HE Ambassadors, high level officials of HMG/Nepal, guests, press & media journalists, representatives of other Bi-National chamber of commerce & Industry, representatives of INGO, prominent businessmen and members were among those present in the session. Mr. Charan Gupta, who performed Master of Ceremony, welcomed all present and requested President to take the chair. 14. Mr. Rajendra Khetan delivered his welcome speech. He said that AGM is held at a time when the country is passing through the most critical point of our history. He summed up impact of Maoist insurgency on the economy and social values, political instability, practically no concrete decisions being taken by the HMG/Nepal and hoped that free & fair elections will pave the way for economic development & that political parties will give top priority to economic agenda. He welcomed the measures taken to combat corruption and highlighted close relations between the chamber and the British Embassy and activities undertaken by the chamber. He thanked HE Keith G. Bloomfield, Mr. Paul Bute, DHM and other staff of the British Embassy for their support to NBCCI towards promotion of trade and investment between the two countries. He thanked all the office bearers, Executive Committee members and the general members for all their contributions and support. 15. HE Keith G. Bloomfield formally inaugurated the session by lighting the lamp. 16. HE Bloomfield delivered his address. He touched upon the British Nepal historical and present relations and praised initiative of the chamber in forming Industrial Security Group and raising pertinent issues. In his address, he stressed on to the journalism by drawing attention in a news published in one newspaper. He thanked NBCCI for providing opportunity to participate and to highlighted his views towards the economic activities. He praised the active role played by NBCCI and assured closest relations between the two countries. 17. Chief Election Officer Mr. Paul Bute, DHM, British Embassy informed the procedure followed for the elections. He told that there is no need for elections for the post of President and Executive Committee members as there is only a single person nomination for the president and declare following persons as elected uncontested and unanimously:- For the Post of President 1. Mr. Mahendra K. Shrestha M/s Arniko International Pvt. Ltd. For the Post of Executive Committee Member
A copy of declaration by the Chief Election Officer & Election Officer is enclosed and forms an integral part of the minutes. 18. Mr. Khetan welcomed the newly elected president and Executive Committee members with bouquets. He welcomed newly elected president Mr. Mahendra K. Shrestha and to the other Executive Members of the chamber. The newly elected president Mr. M. K. Shrestha appealed all the members for the active working and support to further the objectives of the chamber. 19. Mr. Rakesh Mohan, Executive Member of the chamber presented the Vote of thanks. 20. Mr. Khetan declared conclusion of the ceremonial session of the AGM and invited all for the cocktail reception and dinner. 21. The AGM ended with cocktails and dinner for the all members and invitees. |
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