Kathmandu: Forty-seven multinational companies and hotels, including four Indian joint ventures, operating in Nepal were re-opened today (Sep 16, 2004) after a month-long closure following lifting of ban against them by the pro-Maoist trade unions.

The Maoist-affiliated trade unions announced withdrawal of the indefinite shutdown yesterday (Sep 15, 2004) as the Government agreed to release two senior rebel trade union activists within two days and disclose the status of 28 other activists gone missing.

Following the deal, all the 47 business establishments, including Indian joint ventures Surya Nepal, Dabur Nepal, Himalayan Goodrick Tea Garden and Basulings Sugar Mills, were back in business today after a month-long interval, sources said in Kathmandu.

The rebel-affiliated All Nepal Trade Union Federation (Revolution) had forced the closure of 12 industries from August 17 and 35 more industries, including hotels, transport companies and manufacturing companies from September 10.

Five star Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza and four star Hotel Malla, which were closed on August 17 and September 10 respectively after the rebels exploded bombs in their premises in Kathmandu, was also among those re-opened this morning.

"We were greatly relieved after the announcement to lift the indefinite close down," Rajiv Malla, general manager of the hotel said.

India's Oberoi Group of Hotels has 6 per cent stake in Malla hotels.