Bilateral Talks Between Prime Minister Dahal and Qatari Emir: PM Urges Investment in Nepal

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has stated that there should be an exchange of cooperation for the benefit of both countries while strengthening the mutual relations between Nepal and Qatar.

During the ‘bilateral talks’ between Prime Minister Prachanda and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who was on a state visit to Nepal, the Prime Minister highlighted the suitable opportunities for investment in the fields of agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure in Nepal.

Pointing out that the Nepalis working in Qatar are a foundation for strengthening the friendship between Nepal and Qatar, Prime Minister Prachanda emphasized that such relations should be made stronger in the future. He requested that Nepali student Bipin Joshi, who went missing during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, be brought safely back to Nepal.

Mentioning that there has always been cordial relations between Nepal and Qatar, Prime Minister Prachanda said that relations between the two countries are based on cordial friendship, mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

“Qatar has been a faithful friend of Nepal,” said the Prime Minister, “Our relations are deepening and expanding. This relationship is not only limited to the government level but has also extended to the people’s level.” He expressed his belief that the high-level visits between the two countries will help to deepen, strengthen, and elevate the mutual relations to greater heights.

‘Nepal is one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment’

Mentioning that Nepal is among the most attractive places in the world for investors, Prime Minister Prachanda noted that sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy and hydropower, infrastructure development, tourism, information and communication technology, and service and hospitality are suitable for foreign investment.

He said, “There is great potential to distribute bottled drinking water in the global market, as Nepal has a sufficient source of pure drinking water.”

Informing that Nepal has ensured an investment-friendly environment, Prime Minister Prachanda mentioned that a high-level delegation and a team of investors from Qatar are expected to visit Nepal for an upcoming investment conference.

Highlighting Nepal’s suitability for organic agricultural production due to its geographical diversity, Prime Minister Prachanda expressed that Qatari investors would be encouraged to invest in this sector.

Pointing out that Nepal remains a center of attraction for world tourism, Prime Minister Prachanda said, “The international investment in the development of Nepal’s tourism infrastructure will be fruitful.”

Prime Minister Prachanda requested the inclusion of Nepal in the list of foreign tourism destinations of the Qatar Tourism Authority.

‘Let’s operate flights from Lumbini and Pokhara as well’

Prime Minister Prachanda has requested that the government of Qatar consider operating flights from Lumbini and Pokhara as well. During bilateral talks, he noted the effective and sufficient air transport that already exists between Kathmandu and Doha.

“I request the Qatar government to consider operating flights from Lumbini and Pokhara as well,” Prime Minister Prachanda stated.

He highlighted that numerous agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have been concluded between Nepal and Qatar, emphasizing the need to revise and update these agreements and understandings to reflect current demands.

‘Migrant Labor in Bilateral Relations’

Prime Minister Prachanda has stated that the nearly 400,000 Nepalis working in Qatar are a vital link in strengthening bilateral relations. He has requested assistance in establishing vocational training and skill development centers in Nepal to prepare skilled and semi-skilled workers for employment in Qatar.

Expressing concern for the safety of Nepali workers, Prime Minister Prachanda emphasized, “Nepal is committed to ensuring safe and dignified foreign employment for its citizens and intends to address related issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

‘Economic development is Nepal’s priority’

Request to take initiative for the release of Bipin Joshi

Prime Minister Prachanda has called for initiatives to ensure the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who went missing during the attack by Hamas in Israel.

“An innocent Nepali student, Bipin Joshi, who is in Israel for his academic internship, has been missing since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. His condition is currently unknown,” stated Prime Minister Prachanda. “I urge the government of Qatar to facilitate his speedy and safe release.”

Prime Minister Prachanda also requested, “I seek His Majesty’s personal attention to this matter.”

Expressing concern over the deteriorating situation in West Asia, he expressed his hope for an end to the conflict and the restoration of peace as soon as possible.