FNCCI President Dhakal calls for Chinese investment in Nepal

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal has emphasized Nepal’s burgeoning stature as a promising investment destination, underpinned by its wealth of natural resources, skilled workforce, market access, and advantageous trade agreements.

Addressing the China (Yunnan)-Nepal Industrial Cooperation Promotion and Enterprise Matchmaking Meeting held as part of the China South Asia Business Forum, in Kunming of Yunnan Province, China, today, Dhakal said Nepal’s wealth of natural resources, educated workforce, market access, and preferential trade agreements with China and India make it a promising investment destination.

Highlighting the parallel attributes shared by Yunnan and Nepal, including geographical similarities and picturesque landscapes rich in water resources, Dhakal lauded the sister city relationship between Kunming and Nepal’s Pokhara, characterized by agreements promoting cultural exchange, tourism, and research and development collaboration. He underscored the increasing connectivity facilitated by direct air routes between Kathmandu and Kunming, as well as the potential for future direct flights between Pokhara and Kunming.

He also spotlighted the growing potential for Chinese tourism in Nepal, exemplified by Sichuan Airlines’ recent maiden flight to Pokhara during the Chinese “Dragon Boat Festival.” He further outlined compelling investment opportunities spanning diverse sectors, such as energy, tourism infrastructure, transportation, trade facilitation, SMEs, ICT, and agriculture.

Notably, Dhakal emphasized Nepal’s remarkable progress over the past three decades, with more than 5 million people lifted from poverty, leading to an expanding middle-class population. He also highlighted the success of multinational companies operating in Nepal, citing their consistent profitability, and underscored the preferential trade access Nepal enjoys in India, the EU, and other developed markets.

He also made a call for increased bilateral economic relations between Yunnan and Nepal, fostering valuable business and government connections. Expressing optimism for enhanced investments, tourism, trade, and industrial partnerships, President Dhakal invited all participants to explore Nepal’s vibrant culture and investment potential at the Nepal Country Pavilion during the China South Asia Expo.

Distinguished leaders, government officials, business executives, and media representatives from China, Nepal, and South Asian countries attended the event.