Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Spanish Chamber of Commerce Discuss Strengthening Economic Cooperation

Kathmandu. Discussions were held between the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, promote trade and investment, and expand business exchanges between the private sectors.

In the meeting held at the Chamber building with Inmaculada Riera i Riera, Director General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, who is on a visit to Nepal, both sides discussed strengthening institutional relations and expanding economic cooperation.

During the meeting, both sides mentioned that Nepal's strengthening political stability and its strategic geographical location between India and China have created a favorable environment for expanding trade and investment. They agreed to institutionalize cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two chambers by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Under the cooperation, the Spanish Chamber of Commerce has announced preparations to send a business delegation of about eight to nine Spanish companies to Nepal in February-March 2027. During the visit, a business forum is planned to be organized to expand direct business relations between Nepali and Spanish entrepreneurs and explore new investment opportunities.

During the discussions, ideas were exchanged on making government-level cooperation effective for promoting trade and investment, facilitating business visa processes, encouraging high-level visits, and utilizing potential opportunities that Nepal can gain from the ongoing trade negotiations between the European Union (EU) and India.

Both sides have agreed to advance renewable energy, hydropower, solar and wind energy, water management, smart cities, transport infrastructure, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and food processing sectors as primary areas of cooperation.

In the meeting, it was mentioned that Nepal has export potential for high-quality orthodox tea, organic coffee, large cardamom, herbs and aromatic plants, essential oils, pashmina, handmade carpets, handicraft materials, handmade paper, silver jewelry, organic honey, and bamboo products. Similarly, Spain expressed confidence that it can share its modern technology and experience with Nepal in renewable energy, irrigation, agricultural equipment, health equipment, water treatment, and tourism management.

Both chambers emphasized promoting bilateral trade by actively participating in international trade fairs organized in Madrid, Barcelona, and Kathmandu, as well as expanding business relations through digital trade and e-commerce. Discussions were also held on how Spanish companies with experience in South Asia can be suitable partners for Nepal's infrastructure development, clean energy, and sustainable investment projects.

At the end of the meeting, representatives from both chambers expressed confidence that bilateral trade and investment between Nepal and Spain can be significantly expanded in the coming years by further strengthening institutional cooperation, regular business visits, and partnerships between the private sectors.