NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has called on Indian investors, industrialists and business leaders to explore and expand investment and trade opportunities in Nepal, saying that the time is right to invest in the country.
Minister Wagle made the remarks while addressing a trade and investment interaction programme organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Saturday.
The programme was attended by Indian business leaders and private-sector representatives and formed an important part of Minister Wagle’s official visit to India.
Addressing the gathering, Wagle highlighted emerging investment opportunities in Nepal and invited Indian businesses to participate in the country’s economic transformation. He said Nepal offers significant opportunities in sectors with high growth potential and urged Indian companies already operating in Nepal to expand their investments while encouraging new investors to explore the Nepali market.
Minister Wagle said the Government of Nepal is advancing an agenda focused on good governance, economic prosperity, investment facilitation and structural economic transformation. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to accelerate policy reforms and create a more predictable, transparent and investor-friendly business environment.
According to Wagle, manufacturing based on digitalization, clean energy, high-value agriculture, wellness tourism and production sharing is emerging as an important driver of Nepal’s economy. He said Indian businesses should view Nepal not only as a market but also as a strategic partner for investment, production, value addition and integration into regional and global supply chains.
Wagle said recent measures introduced by the Government of Nepal through the annual budget, tax reforms and investor-friendly policy initiatives are aimed at improving the business environment, removing investment barriers and facilitating private sector-led economic growth.
He emphasized the significant potential for Nepal-India economic cooperation, particularly in investment, manufacturing, energy, tourism, agriculture, the digital economy and other emerging sectors.
Wagle noted that the longstanding economic relationship between Nepal and India has provided a strong foundation for expanding bilateral trade and investment.
Indian business leaders and CII members participating in the interaction expressed interest in exploring trade and investment opportunities in Nepal. Participants discussed potential areas of collaboration with the Finance Minister and sought information about Nepal’s investment policies, incentives, sectoral opportunities and business environment.
The interaction provided a platform for strengthening ties between the Government of Nepal and the Indian private sector and identifying new avenues for increasing Indian investment and business cooperation in Nepal.
Finance Minister Wagle, who is visiting India, is holding high-level discussions with Indian officials as well as members of the business and policy communities on strengthening Nepal-India economic cooperation, investment, connectivity, energy and post-disaster reconstruction.
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