Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council Holds Inaugural Meeting in Kathmandu to Boost Bilateral Investment

The first meeting of the Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC), formed with the objective of taking economic relations between Nepal and Qatar to new heights and expanding bilateral investment, has concluded in Kathmandu. Concrete commitments for enhancing investment and expanding trade cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries were expressed during the meeting held in Chandragiri.

This council was formed in accordance with the agreement reached during the visit of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Nepal in April 2024. The council has begun functioning as a structural platform to increase dialogue, business cooperation, and direct engagement between the private sectors of the two nations.

During the meeting, the Nepali side attempted to reassure Qatari investors by stating that the investment climate in Nepal is continuously improving. Informing about the government's priority on legal amendments, simplification of approval processes through digital systems, and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the Nepali team urged investment in sectors such as energy, minerals, tourism, agricultural processing, health, education, and information technology. Furthermore, Nepali businesspersons highlighted the potential for joint ventures in Qatar's service sector, tourism, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), stated that this meeting would further strengthen the economic ties between the two countries. He clarified that the FNCCI is fully committed to facilitating foreign investment and institutional cooperation. President Dhakal invited the leadership of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry to participate in the FNCCI's upcoming annual general meeting, noting that the assembly would serve as a venue for direct dialogue between policymakers and business leaders.

The Qatari delegation responded positively to Nepal's investment potential during the meeting. Mohad Ahmed M.A. Al Obaideli, a board member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and head of the delegation, stated that Qatari investors are ready for long-term investment if stable policies, a clear legal structure, and banking facilitation are ensured in Nepal. He emphasized the need to make the JBC results-oriented rather than limiting it to formality. The Qatari side noted that Nepal is truly beautiful and holds immense investment potential in many sectors.

Anjan Shrestha, Senior Vice President of the FNCCI, stated that the council must be developed as a medium to deliver concrete results. He suggested moving forward in a manner beneficial to both parties by identifying projects and resolving issues. Similarly, FNCCI Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya described this mechanism as an active bridge for economic cooperation between the two countries.

During their stay in Nepal, the Qatari delegation also held meetings with Finance Minister Rameswor Prasad Khanal, Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma, Minister of Industry and Tourism Anil Kumar Sinha, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Dr. Bishwa Nath Poudel, and Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority Devchandra Lal Karna. Discussions during these meetings focused on air connectivity, bilateral trade, and Government-to-Government (G2G) cooperation.

It is expected that the meeting will move the traditional labor relationship between Nepal and Qatar towards a strategic partnership in trade and investment.