Nepal's President Urges Japanese Businesses to Explore Investment Opportunities on 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties

Japan. President Ramchandra Paudel has called upon the Japanese business community to explore trade opportunities in Nepal. He expressed confidence that the Government of Nepal is committed to providing all possible assistance for investment and trade in Nepal to the Japanese business community.

President Paudel made this call while addressing an interactive program with members of the Japanese business community organized today in Tokyo, Japan, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. He stated that Nepal wishes to build a close partnership with the Japanese private sector.

‘We have created a stable macroeconomic environment with attractive returns on investment, along with easy procedures for profit and capital repatriation. The Government of Nepal is committed to providing full support, seamless facilitation, and security for foreign investment,’ President Paudel said. He added that as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations, this is an opportune moment to advance deep cooperation in areas of mutual benefit between our two sides. 

Mentioning that we are delighted by the philosophy of Gautama Buddha and that the relationship between Nepal and Japan has been cultural since ancient times, President Paudel said, ‘Gautama Buddha said, the victory of peace is one where no one is defeated.’ 

He called for confident investment and trade in Nepal, urging them to invest in sectors like agriculture, hydropower, and tourism to make Nepal prosperous and for Japan to also benefit. He said, ‘Investing in Nepal brings wealth and religion.’ 

‘Excellent relations based on goodwill, friendship, and cooperation have existed between Nepal and Japan. I believe that the enthusiastic participation of the business community here today will be fruitful in establishing vigorous trade and investment links between Nepal and Japan,’ President Paudel said.

He highly praised the cooperation provided by Japan for decades as a reliable development partner in Nepal's socio-economic development efforts, in the context that this year marks the historic 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and our relations are deepening not only at the governmental level but also at the people-to-people level.

He stated that along with political stability, Nepal's efforts are focused on achieving social justice, good governance, and the prosperity of the people. Furthermore, he mentioned that it would be another significant achievement for us to be upgraded from the status of a Least Developed Country by the end of this year and to become a middle-income country by 2030.  

‘Such a campaign requires substantial resources. In addition to other matters, the focus is on attracting significant foreign investment in national priority sectors, increasing Nepal's trade, diversifying inter-linkages, promoting tourism, and acquiring high-level technology,’ President Paudel said.

He expressed the view that in today's time, no country can prosper without the government and the private sector joining hands internally, and without advancing partnerships with other countries externally. 

He stated that by adhering to liberal economic policies, Nepal has opened almost every sector, including production, hydropower, tourism, services, information technology, mining, and agro-based industries, for foreign investment, and has made extensive legal, procedural, and institutional reforms to facilitate trade, attract foreign investment, and promote innovation. 

‘The Investment Board Nepal provides a one-stop service to large investors. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and major international rating agencies have confirmed through independent evaluations that Nepal offers one of the most favorable business environments in South Asia,’ President Paudel said.

He expressed confidence that Nepal's location between the two emerging economies of India and China will provide greater benefits to potential investors.

On the occasion, Nepal's Charge d'Affaires in Japan, Harihar Kanta Paudel, gave a welcome address, while Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Rai and Joint Secretary Bhrigu Dhungana spoke about the investment potential in Nepal. At the event, several members of the Japanese business community expressed happiness upon learning about the numerous investment opportunities in Nepal and opined that this would contribute to opening the doors for investment.