Kathmandu, April 2: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has inaugurated the Himalayan Hydro Expo amidst a special ceremony organised at Bhrikutimandap today.    

The three-day expo has been organised with the objective of holding a discussion on all the concerned issues related to the hydropower sector including an exhibition of the latest technology.    

Lauding the role played by the private sector in the development and expansion of energy sector in the country, President Bhandari expressed the belief that the private sector would play a more important role in coming days for the same.    

She urged the bodies concerned to pay attention to fulfilling the national aspiration of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali'.    

Stressing the need of moving ahead towards the path of prosperity by utilizing the multidimensional use of water resources at public participation, President Bhandari expressed happiness over the activities being carried out for the export of electricity produced in the country in international markets through the cross-border transmission line.    

She laid emphasis on the need to take meaningful efforts of all to create an environment where every household should have access to electricity.    

Presenting the fact that decreasing snow level in mountains due to climate change is a matter of concern, the President drew the attention of all to lay emphasis on climate adaptation and greenery promotion.    

President Bhandari mentioned that role of energy entrepreneurs is significant as the private sector has achieved significant success in small and middle-scale projects.    

Minister for Forests and Environment Ramsahay Prasad Yadav said that his Ministry fulfilled its responsibility for the development and expansion of Nepal's energy sector, adding that all possible cooperation would be extended for the same.    

He clarified that his Ministry is ever friendly and supportive to the private sector,    

Similarly, Dinesh Shrestha, vice-president (Industry) of the FNCCI, Kalmesh Agrawal, senior vice-president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce,

Krishna Prasad Adhikari, vice-president of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, univocally agreed that Nepal's energy sector has made a stride due to private sector-friendly policy and laws and pointed out the need for some more reforms.    

Independent Power Producers' Association (IPAN) President Krishna Prasad Acharya mentioned that the Expo was organized with the objective to find new opportunities and technology and attract investors for the development of the country's energy sector.    

A massive rally of electric vehicles was organized prior to the inauguration of the Expo. Participants including national and international energy sector experts will discuss various issues pertaining to the energy sector over various sessions of the three-day Expo.    

The first day of the Expo saw discussions held on the innovative technology, marketization of the produced electricity and its challenges and green hydrogen among others.