KATHMANDU: Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), Pradeep Adhikari took the main stage at the Future Aviation Forum 2024 in Riyadh, discussing the challenges and unique aspects of aviation in the Nepalese context and highlighting investment opportunities across various sectors in Nepal.

Adhikari stated that in Nepal aviation is crucial for transportation due to limited road infrastructure, with 55 airports across the country serving over 10 million passengers annually.

Despite challenges like high altitude and unpredictable weather, aviation is vital for trade, tourism, and domestic connectivity, he added.

He further stated that climate change poses significant threats, affecting rivers, and mountains, and causing natural disasters.

Major sectors of investment include tourism, hydropower, and aviation, with opportunities in adventure tourism, natural attractions like Mount Everest, and agriculture, he said adding, “Nepal aims to become a tourism hub with investment-friendly policies and infrastructure development.”

Furthermore, he said hydropower offers substantial potential, and agriculture benefits from fertile lands and ample water resources.