MEETING OF CACCI CONTINUES FOR SECOND DAY THURSDAY Kathmandu, 4 Oct.: The 26th conference of the Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry ( CACCI ) kicked off in the Capital on Wednesday. The three-day conference under the slogan ‘A vision for shared prosperity’ was inaugurated by President Ram Baran Yadav, The Kathmandu Post reports. The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the organiser, said the conference will mainly focus on regional prosperity, putting the economic growth of Nepal in centre. The conference has participation of 150 delegates from 20 countries. CACCI is a regional grouping of apex national chambers of commerce and industry, business associations and business enterprises in Asia and the Western Pacific. The conference will see businessmen identify new growth paths in Asia that combine both economic inclusiveness and environmental sustainability and how countries in the region can cooperate with each other for shared economic prosperity. Addressing the inaugural session, President Yadav highlighted the need for regional cooperation among the Asia Pacific countries for mutual growth. He also requested the business delegates to bring innovative business plans in Nepal so as to help Nepal attain economic prosperity. “Despite the global economic downturn, the Asia Pacific region has been doing well in achieving economic growth and prosperity,” said President Yadav. “I request the investors from this reason to bring in their investment here (Nepal).” In his welcome remarks, FNCCI President Suraj Vaidya said the conference was an important event not only for Nepal but also for the entire region. Stating that the government has declared 2012-13 as Nepal Investment Year, Vaidya said, “We have taken this as an opportunity to showcase Nepal as a destination for business.” United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary General Supachai Panitchpakdi said the Asia Pacific region, which is being developed as the hub of economic prosperity, should focus on inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He also asked the business leaders to uplift the economic status of underdeveloped countries like Nepal. “The government and the private sector of Nepal should make genuine efforts to be the part of Asia Pacific’s economic achievement,” he said. “The economically progressing countries of this region should also include Nepal in their development enterprises.” Rona Virkali, chairman of the World Chambers of Commerce (WCC), shed light on the importance of mutual cooperation between the South Asian nations to fully explore their potentials. Nnnn