Nepal and Qatar reaffirm measures to enhance bilateral economic ties

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 11: Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal on Tuesday held talks with a visiting Qatari delegation led by Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) Board Member Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, focusing on strengthening bilateral investment, trade, and economic cooperation between Nepal and Qatar.

The delegation also called on Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma. 

The meetings, explored opportunities for expanding government-to-government and private sector-to-private sector collaboration, with particular emphasis on promoting Qatari investment in Nepal. The delegation is in Kathmandu at the invitation of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

During the discussions, Finance Minister Khanal stated that Nepal is undertaking legal and structural reforms to create a more investment-friendly environment, the FNCCI informed in a statement on Tuesday. 

He underscored the government’s commitment to accelerating economic growth through foreign investment and technology transfer, highlighting Nepal’s readiness to work closely with the private sector.

Minister Khanal pointed to strong investment potential in sectors including energy, minerals, healthcare, education, tourism, agro-processing, and information technology, noting that Nepal offers promising returns for long-term investors.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Sharma reiterated Nepal’s priority to enhance policy reforms and diplomatic facilitation for foreign investors. He highlighted ample opportunities for Qatari investors in energy, tourism, infrastructure, and information technology, emphasising the government’s intention to create a supportive and predictable investment climate.

The meeting was attended by Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal, Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, and FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Nepal–Qatar economic ties.

Expressing a positive outlook on Nepal’s investment environment, Obaidly said the Qatari business community is eager to expand direct cooperation and business exchanges between the private sectors of both countries.

Earlier the same day, the Qatari delegation also held discussions with Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwo Nath Paudel, focusing on Nepal’s legal framework for foreign investment, banking systems, and emerging investment opportunities.

During the meeting, Governor Paudel briefed the delegation on Nepal’s policy provisions for foreign investment, noting that the country is prioritising foreign capital inflows and continuously advancing policy and regulatory reforms to improve investor confidence. He highlighted Nepal’s efforts to strengthen financial stability, improve banking facilitation, and ensure transparency in investment processes.

In response, Obaidly expressed the Qatari private sector’s keen interest in investing in Nepal, stating that there is strong potential for cooperation in areas such as banking, tourism, information technology, and human resource development. He noted that Qatari investors would be more inclined to invest in Nepal if the country establishes a clear investment roadmap, supported by stable policies and a transparent legal framework.

The Qatari delegation further stated that investors from Qatar are prepared to make long-term investments in Nepal, provided the government ensures policy consistency, legal clarity, and banking facilitation, according to the FNCCI statement.

Similarly, Dhakal highlighted FNCCI's active role in facilitating foreign investment and promoting a private sector–led development model in Nepal. He emphasised the concrete prospects for attracting Qatari investment, particularly in energy, hydropower, tourism, hotels, agro-processing, and infrastructure.

Dhakal reaffirmed FNCCI’s commitment to easing investment processes through private sector–private sector cooperation, government–private sector dialogue, and institutional coordination mechanisms, inviting Qatari businesses to establish long-term strategic partnerships in Nepal.