Federation of Nepali Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Urges More Effective Nepal-India Economic Cooperation

New Delhi. Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepali Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), has emphasized the need to make Nepal-India economic cooperation more result-oriented. Addressing the 'Second Indo-Nepal Trade Festival 2026' which commenced in New Delhi, the capital of India, on Friday, he stressed the necessity for smoother customs procedures, standards coordination, strengthening of digital trade systems, and facilitation of financial access and technology transfer for small and medium-sized enterprises between Nepal and India.

President Dhakal noted that India is Nepal's largest trade partner and a major source of investment, stating that the open border, cultural proximity, and people-to-people ties make the partnership between the two nations unique.

He mentioned that the global economy is currently facing uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, emphasizing the need to further strengthen cooperation between neighboring countries. He opined that the priorities given in India's recent central budget to infrastructure, digital connectivity, green energy, and promotion of small and medium-sized industries would create new opportunities for Nepal as well.

President Dhakal informed that Nepal is rich in hydropower and electricity export to India has already begun, stating that with appropriate transmission lines and policy stability, Nepal can become a reliable green energy partner for India.

Furthermore, he highlighted that Nepal offers natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual destinations in the tourism sector, and shared that investment opportunities are expanding in hotel, resort, and cable car projects.

He stated, "There is immense potential in Nepal in the sectors of energy, tourism, industrial areas, special economic zones, cross-border logistics, agro-processing, pharmaceutical industry, education, and health services. I urge Indian investors to invest in such sectors."

Mentioning that the private sector of Nepal has always advocated for political stability and economic discipline, he also noted that policy reforms are underway in Nepal to maintain investor confidence in the long term.

He described the Indo-Nepal Trade Festival not just as a formal event but as a platform to transform goodwill into business partnerships, and President Dhakal called upon Indian industrialists, businesspersons, and investors to move forward with concrete cooperation in green energy, digital services, tourism, and manufacturing sectors.

He expressed confidence that Indo-Nepal economic cooperation can reach new heights based on political will, policy stability, and mutual trust. The event was attended by high-level representatives including Nepal's Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha, Indian Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Nepal's Ambassador to India Shankar Prasad Sharma.