KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged the private sector and development partners to invest in Nepal's infrastructure development.
Addressing the Investment Summit held in London, UK, FNCCI President Dhakal said Nepal is an attractive investment destination for foreign private investors and development partners as the country is looking for more external capital for major infrastructure development.
Regarding India's recent decision to include hydropower in renewable energy, President Dhakal asserted that the growing Indian market has provided more opportunities for investment in hydropower projects. According to the press note issued by FNCCI today, Dhakal said during his speech that due to the increase in energy demand and the strong economy of Bangladesh, more markets have been created for Nepal's hydropower.
FNCCI President Dhakal said, "We invite investors from the UK as well as multilateral and bilateral development partners for investment and cooperation in Nepal's hydropower targeting the two large attractive energy markets." Mentioning that Nepal is already a popular destination for British tourists, he said that he was ready and excited to welcome more tourists.
"Since Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu has been upgraded and the international airports have been constructed in Lord Buddha's birthplace Lumbini and popular tourist destination Pokhara, it has become easier for tourists to visit Nepal", said Dhakal, "Therefore, there is great potential for investment in tourism infrastructure like cable car, resort, theme park, hill station and standard hotels for the growing tourism market.”
Mentioning that multinational companies are getting high returns from their investment in Nepal, Dhakal also urged to increase investment in other sectors including production, agricultural processing, and ICT. He drew the attention of investors to the fact that the export market is expanding and there are favourable trade agreements with various countries, so there is an opportunity for export-oriented investment in Nepal.
Informing that FNCCI has prepared a structure to assist investors to search for investment opportunities and remove obstacles to investment, Dhakal called for confident investment in Nepal.
At the summit organised at the initiative of the Nepali Embassy in the UK, the investment opportunities were discussed by the high officials of the international investment bodies of the UK, British private investors and Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat.
