Vietnamese Ambassador meets DPM Shrestha, pledges to aid in facilitating investment

KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has expressed his belief that Nepal could be an appealing destination for Vietnamese investors.

In a meeting with the Non-Resident Ambassador of Vietnam to Nepal, Nguyen Thanh Hai, on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha stated that substantial foreign investment is essential for rapid economic development in Nepal, and added that the Government of Nepal is prepared to assist Vietnamese investors.

He expressed the view that cooperation in the economic sector should be enhanced by strengthening the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Referring to the ongoing investment summit in Nepal, Foreign Affairs Minister Shrestha said that Nepal is keen to collaborate with Vietnam in tourism, agriculture, and other sectors.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese Ambassador noted that the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Vietnam is nearing its 50th anniversary, and pledged to aid in facilitating investment. He suggested that the two countries should cooperate to increase investment.

The Ambassador mentioned that they were exploring the possibility of direct flights from Vietnam and shared with Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha that if this materialises, it will boost the tourism sector of Nepal.

As Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a significant number of tourists from Vietnam visit Nepal, he said and added that his country is willing to cooperate in tourism and other sectors in the future.

Ambassador Thanh Hai, who also serves as the ambassador to India and Bhutan, arrived in Kathmandu to attend the Nepal Investment Summit that concluded on Monday.

Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, the honorary consul of Vietnam for Nepal, along with other representatives, was also present at the meeting.