US companies keen to invest in Nepal, says Under Secretary Rogers

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, June 2: Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers paid a courtesy call on Minister for Information and Communication Dr. Bikram Timilsina at the Ministry on Monday. 

According to a Secretariat of Minister for Communication Dr. Timilsina, discussions were held on bilateral relations, information technology, telecommunications, digital security and investment expansion at the meeting.

Under Secretary Rogers said that Nepal–US relations are friendly and cooperative, adding that the United States is interested in expanding collaboration in the fields of information technology and telecommunications. 

She also said that US companies are keen to expand investment in Nepal and expressed the expectation of an investment-friendly environment, policy stability, and necessary facilitation.

Under Secretary Rogers emphasised the need to protect internet freedom while also managing challenges arising from digital platforms. She said cooperation could be enhanced in addressing online fraud, the spread of obscene content, and the control of sensitive child-related material.

According to Rogers, the United States is ready to support investment expansion and the development of digital infrastructure.

During the meeting, Minister Dr. Timilsina said that Nepal is moving forward towards economic and administrative transformation through information technology, adding that Nepal welcomes all forms of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in this sector.

Minister Dr. Timilsina also added that attracting foreign direct investment is a government priority and informed the US side about existing policy and legal provisions related to investment in the telecommunications sector. He further clarified that the government is not in favour of controlling social media, but stressed the need for regulatory mechanisms to create a responsible and accountable digital environment. The meeting also discussed ways to further strengthen Nepal–US cooperation in the areas of information technology, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and investment expansion, according to the Ministry.