Nepal and Qatar Discuss Enhancing Economic Cooperation, Tourism, and Aviation Links

Discussions were held between Nepal and Qatar regarding overall economic development, tourism promotion, and expanding mutual cooperation during a visit by a delegation from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, invited by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).

On Monday in Singha Durbar, separate meetings took place between Qatar's Ambassador to Nepal, Mishel bin Mohammed Al Ansari, FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Member Mohad Ahmed M A Al Obaidli, and representatives from Qatar Airways, with Nepal's Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha and Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

The meeting at the Ministry of Tourism involved detailed discussions on strengthening cooperation in Nepal-Qatar economic development, tourism promotion, expansion of air services, and the civil aviation sector. Discussions were particularly focused on increasing the number of direct flights between Nepal and Qatar, adding new destinations, and exploring collaboration possibilities between Nepal Airlines Corporation and Qatar Airways.

On that occasion, Minister Sinha informed that the government is emphasizing policy reforms and facilitation to expand tourism, investment, and trade in Nepal. He mentioned that the active participation of international airlines is necessary for the full operation of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport, noting that Qatar Airways' role would be significant.

“Besides other sectors, extensive cooperation can be done with Qatar in Nepal's tourism sector. The Government of Nepal is continuously reforming policies to create an investment-friendly environment. The Government of Nepal is ready to facilitate the necessary steps to create an environment for Qatari investors to invest in Nepal and to increase ‘connectivity’,” he stated.

FNCCI President Dhakal stated that there is vast potential for expansion between Nepal and Qatar in tourism, investment, aviation, hotel, and infrastructure sectors. He highlighted attractive opportunities in hydropower, tourism, and service sectors for Qatari investors in Nepal.

Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Member Al Obaidli noted the interest of the Qatari private sector in long-term economic cooperation with Nepal, expressing confidence that aviation and tourism cooperation will further strengthen trade and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Similarly, discussions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs covered policy facilitation for investment, bilateral investment promotion, possibilities for Qatari investment in Nepal, tourism development, and future economic cooperation.

On that occasion, Foreign Ministry Secretary Rai mentioned that Nepal is becoming an attractive destination for foreign investment, stating there are ample investment opportunities in energy, tourism, infrastructure, and information technology sectors.

He recalled that the visit of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Nepal in April 2024 was historic, and expressed the view that economic cooperation between Nepal and Qatar has been strengthening following that visit.

Qatar's Ambassador to Nepal, Ansari, noted that Nepal-Qatar relations are friendly and cooperation-based, stating that Qatar is keen to expand cooperation in economic and tourism sectors. He also mentioned that the Embassy is ready to facilitate Qatari investment.

FNCCI's Dhakal emphasized the need to strengthen economic diplomacy through the private sector, stating there are good opportunities in industry, tourism, hotel, hydropower, and service sectors for Qatari investors in Nepal. President Dhakal said, “If there is extensive cooperation between the government and the private sector, foreign investment can be brought in more effectively.”

Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Member Al Obaidli stated that they gathered information regarding the investment climate, legal structure, and the role of the private sector in Nepal, expressing that Qatari investors are interested in moving forward with cooperation after identifying potential projects.

He added, “Qatari businessmen are interested in making long-term investments in Nepal. G2G and B2B cooperation can be advanced by maintaining mutual trust and policy clarity.”

The delegation also met with the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal on Monday, and is scheduled to meet with Finance Minister Rameshwar Prasad Kharel and Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwa Nath Poudel today.

The delegation from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday to discuss the Joint Business Council (JBC) established between the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The delegation stated that the Joint Business Council is an institution established as a protected forum to promote dialogue, business cooperation, and direct engagement between the private sectors of Nepal and Qatar. The JBC meeting will be held in Kathmandu on Magh 26 and 27 (February 9 and 10).