“Doing Business with Finland” spurs partnership prospects

KATHMANDU: In a bid to foster investment opportunities and partnerships, Nepal hosted the ‘Doing Business with Finland’ program along with Finnpartnership – the Finnish Business Partnership Programme, in Kathmandu.

Facilitated by the Institute for Strategic and Socio-Economic Research (ISSR), the event convened Finnish investors and entrepreneurs in Kathmandu to explore Nepal’s investment potential.

The program unfolded in two sessions, attracting representatives from nine Finnish companies alongside Nepali industrialists and special delegates.

Discussions revolved around the feasibility of investment ventures in Nepal.

During the second session and subsequent general discussions, former Finance Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat underscored the significant investment prospects within Nepal’s industrial and business sectors.

He emphasized leveraging the Indian market to bolster investments in Nepal.

Manish Jung Khadka from Cognit Nepal Limited highlighted the challenges and bureaucratic hurdles prevalent in Nepal’s business landscape, particularly emphasizing delays.

Taking part in the interaction, Naresh Shrestha, Director of ISSR, noted the promising opportunities for technology sharing, finance, packaging, and production within Nepal’s industrial and business spheres.

Bishesh Shrestha, General Secretary of the Nepal Finland Chamber of Commerce, shared insights from Finland’s business landscape, expressing optimism about potential collaborations in Nepal’s industrial and business sectors.

The program commenced with a welcome address from Sara Alanen, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Finland, followed by Julian Bloom’s presentation on Fin Partner from Fin Fund.

Ram Chandra Tiwari, Joint Secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply, provided insights into bilateral trade dynamics.

The program marked the third Nepal-Finland investment promotion program, following previous editions in 2017 and 2019.

The initiative was aimed at fostering a conducive environment for investment promotion in Nepal, with expectations of catalyzing positive outcomes.