FNCCI President Dhakal Invites UAE Investors to Explore Opportunities in Nepal’s Key Sectors

President Chandra Prasad Dhakal of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) extended a heartfelt invitation to UAE investors, urging them to delve into promising opportunities across Nepal’s thriving sectors. The Nepal UAE Business Forum held in Dubai witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ marking a significant milestone in the strong friendship and economic collaboration between the two nations.

Addressing the forum, President Dhakal, representing FNCCI as the apex body of Nepal’s private sector, underlined Prime Minister Dahal’s unwavering commitment to economic revival, creating a favorable business environment. He spotlighted Nepal’s external sector stability and a youthful population as key elements contributing to the nation’s attractiveness on the global stage for trade and investment.

President Dhakal identified four key sectors with immense investment potential: energy, tourism, agro-processing, and information and communication technology (ICT). In the energy sector, he urged UAE investors to seize the opportunity presented by the opening regional markets, emphasizing the potential for impactful investments in Nepal’s growing energy market.

Highlighting Nepal’s infrastructure development in the tourism sector, including additional international airports in Lumbini and Pokhara, President Dhakal encouraged UAE investors to contribute to the creation of world-class tourism facilities. He emphasized the scope for collaboration in the development of hotels, cable cars, theme parks, and hill stations, foreseeing increased bilateral tourism.

Agriculture, a fundamental pillar of Nepal’s economy, was presented as another avenue for collaboration. President Dhakal invited UAE investors to explore opportunities in agro-processing, leveraging Nepal’s unique climate and the agricultural products of the Himalayan region. He called for facilitation in terms of tariffs and non-tariff measures to enhance the growth of the agricultural sector.

The burgeoning ICT sector in Nepal, aligned with the UAE’s success in the digital economy, offered prospects for collaboration and knowledge exchange. President Dhakal envisioned a mutually beneficial partnership in this sector, fostering innovation and growth.

Recognizing the crucial role of banking and finance in trade and investment, President Dhakal proposed a partnership to promote UAE investment in Nepal’s banking sector. He emphasized the potential to cater to the large Nepali population through the operations of Nepali banks in the UAE.

Turning attention to the Nepali workforce in the UAE, known for their hard work and integrity, President Dhakal proposed investments in technical and vocational schools to enhance the workforce’s skills, creating opportunities for joint growth. He shared his personal journey as a living example of what is possible in Nepal with government support and a favorable investment climate.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Dahal for his commitment to drafting a Bilateral Investment Agreement between Nepal and the UAE, President Dhakal concluded by inviting the UAE business community to invest in Nepal. FNCCI, he assured, is ready to cooperate on all fronts to strengthen economic relations between the two nations.

As the forum concluded, the invitation resonated, opening new avenues for collaboration and reinforcing the belief that the synergy between Nepal and the UAE can script a joint story of growth and prosperity.