Seventh US-Nepal TIFA Council meeting concludes

Kathmandu, September 19 — The seventh meeting of the US-Nepal Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council has concluded. The meeting, held in Kathmandu, was attended by an 11-member delegation from the U.S. led by Brendan Lynch, the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia.

From Nepal, a 17-member team led by Gobinda Bahadur Karki, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, participated. The U.S. delegation requested detailed information on areas where Nepal seeks assistance.

Nepal proposed to extend the duration of Nepal Trade Preference Program (NTPP) with the U.S. Additionally, Nepal requested further technical assistance in various sectors. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies indicated that the U.S. delegation responded positively to these requests.

Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in expanding trade and investment. The U.S. team suggested that Nepal improve its legal and procedural framework related to investment. The eighth meeting of the council is scheduled to take place in the United States in 2025.