Qatar Chamber Delegation Arrives in Kathmandu to Finalize Joint Business Council

A high-level delegation from the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and industry has arrived in Kathmandu to discuss the operationalization of the Joint Business Council (JBC) This council was formed in partnership with the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) following an agreement signed in April 2024 during the state visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of Qatar, to Nepal. This agreement has significantly strengthened the economic cooperation between the two nations.

The delegation is visiting at the invitation of FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and is led by QCCI Board Member Mohd Ahmad M. A. Al-Obaidly. The Council meetings are scheduled to take place on February 9 and 10 in Kathmandu. The JBC is designed as a structured platform to promote dialogue, business collaboration, and direct engagement between the private sectors of Nepal and Qatar.

During their stay, the delegation will participate in several high-level meetings. They are scheduled to meet with Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies and Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, and the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel. These meetings aim to further integrate the economic interests of both countries.

FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal stated that finalizing and activating the JBC is essential for expanding bilateral trade, encouraging investment, and strengthening partnerships between businesses. He noted that the discussions will focus on making the Council practical and result-oriented by identifying specific areas for collaboration. Nepal and Qatar have long enjoyed a cordial relationship and strong people-to-people ties, which are now evolving into deeper economic engagement.

Nepal offers various attractive investment opportunities in sectors such as hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, agro-processing, information technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, health, and education. As the largest umbrella organization for the private sector in Nepal, the FNCCI is committed to facilitating foreign investment and promoting business-to-business connections. The Federation expects the outcomes of this meeting to strengthen Nepal-Qatar economic relations and contribute significantly to trade and investment growth.