Nepal, Qatar agree to boost economic relations

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 10: A high-level discussion was held on strengthening economic cooperation, tourism promotion, and mutual collaboration between Nepal and Qatar.

The meeting took place between Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nepal Mishal Mohammed A. A. Al-Ansari, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Board Member of Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, and representatives of Qatar Airways.

During the discussion, participants held detailed talks on enhancing Nepal–Qatar economic development, tourism promotion, expansion of air connectivity, and strengthening cooperation in the civil aviation sector. 

In particular, the discussion focused on increasing the number of direct flights between Nepal and Qatar, adding new destinations and the possibility of cooperation between Nepal Airlines Corporation and Qatar Airways.

Minister Sinha emphasised the need for active participation from international airlines to operate Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport at full capacity.

He highlighted the important role Qatar Airways could play in this regard.

He said that the government of Nepal is prioritising policy reforms and facilitation measures to expand tourism, investment, and trade.

In the discussion, FNCCI President Dhakal said that there is significant potential for cooperation between Nepal and Qatar in tourism, investment, aviation, hospitality, and infrastructure sectors.He highlighted attractive investment opportunities for Qatari investors in hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and the service sector in Nepal.

Similarly, Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidlym board member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the Qatari private sector is interested in long-term economic cooperation with Nepal and expressed confidence that aviation and tourism cooperation will further strengthen trade and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The meeting is expected to take Nepal-Qatar relations to a new height, promote tourism and contribute to economic development through expansion of air connectivity.

The Qatari delegation arrived in Nepal on Sunday at the invitation of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) for the meeting of the Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) formed between the FNCCI and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The JBC has been established as a structured platform to promote dialogue, business cooperation and direct engagement between the private sectors of Nepal and Qatar.