Nepal, Saudi Arabia host webinar as precursor to upcoming Nepal Investment Summit

KATHMANDU: Office of the Investment Board Nepal (OIBN), in collaboration with Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nepal, and Federation of Saudi Chambers, organised Nepal-Saudi Arabia Investment Webinar on Sunday. 

This event served as a precursor to Nepal Investment Summit 2024, scheduled for 28-29 April.

The webinar was addressed by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nepal, Saad Nasser Abdullah Abu Haimed, Investment Board Nepal (IBN) Chief Executive Officer Sushil Bhatta, FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal among others. The event was attended by members of the business communities of Saudi Arabia and Nepal.

In his opening speech, the Saudi Ambassador briefly outlined the interests and capabilities of investors from Saudi Arabia, highlighting various aspects of the relationship between the two countries. He encouraged Saudi Arabian investors to explore investment opportunities in Nepal and to develop networks with Nepal's Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) and the private sector.

FNCCI President Dhakal stated that now is an opportune time to invest in Nepal. He presented potential investment sectors, including clean energy, tourism, ICT, agri-business, health and education, and urban infrastructure development, among others. Dhakal provided an overview of comparative and competitive sectors, which could offer attractive returns to investors.

Manoj Paudel, Chairperson of the FNCCI Investment and International Affairs Forum gave presentations on investment opportunities in Nepal. Axit Raj Poudyal, a project development consultant for OIBN, delivered a presentation focusing on the investment process in Nepal and potential projects. 
Likewise, Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia also delivered a presentation that highlighted business and investment opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

IBN CEO Bhatta presented an overview of investment regulations in Nepal, benefits and opportunities for foreign investors, and main objectives and attractions of the upcoming Nepal Investment Summit, 2024. Through the webinar, Bhatta encouraged serious, potential, and capable investors from Saudi Arabia to invest in areas where they feel comfortable and confident, stating that the country offers ample opportunities for investments that yield attractive returns over the years.