Nepal–Qatar Investment and Private Sector Cooperation Reviewed

Kathmandu, Feb 10 — Opportunities to strengthen bilateral investment and private sector collaboration between Nepal and Qatar were discussed during meetings between a visiting Qatari business delegation and senior Nepali officials on Tuesday.

The delegation, led by Mohd Ahmad MA Alobaidly, Board Member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, paid courtesy calls on Minister for Finance Rameshwor Prasad Khanal and Minister for Foreign Affairs Balananda Sharma. Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal, Misal bin Mohammad Ali Al Ansari, and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal were also present at the meetings.

During the discussions, both sides explored prospects for boosting Nepal–Qatar investment, expanding trade, and enhancing cooperation at both government and private sector levels.

Finance Minister Khanal informed the delegation that Nepal has moved forward with legal and structural reforms aimed at creating an investor-friendly environment. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with the private sector to accelerate economic growth through foreign investment and technology transfer. Khanal also highlighted the potential for Qatari investment in sectors such as energy, minerals, health, education, tourism, agro-processing, and information technology.

Foreign Minister Sharma said Nepal has given priority to policy reforms and diplomatic facilitation to attract foreign investors, pointing to strong investment opportunities for Qatari businesses in energy, tourism, infrastructure, and IT sectors.

Ambassador Ansari expressed the Qatari private sector’s interest in investing in Nepal, noting that stable policies, a simplified banking system, and investment security would further encourage investment inflows.

FNCCI President Dhakal invited Qatari investors to engage in long-term partnerships in Nepal, emphasizing opportunities in hydropower, tourism, hotels, agricultural processing, energy, and infrastructure development.

Delegation leader Alobaidly shared a positive assessment of Nepal’s investment climate and said private sectors in both countries are eager to expand direct cooperation and business exchanges.

The meetings are expected to strengthen Nepal–Qatar economic ties and pave the way for concrete investment initiatives. The delegation also held talks with Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Prof Dr Bishwonath Paudel. The Qatari team is visiting Nepal at the invitation of the FNCCI.