Atul Keshap, the Senior Vice President for South Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce, has arrived in Kathmandu to participate in the third Nepal Investment Summit scheduled for April 28 and 29.

Keshap, a former American diplomat who has served as the former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives and the Deputy Head of the US Mission to India, is currently active through the US Chamber of Commerce.

Having worked extensively in South Asia, Keshap has closely observed the region's economy and business landscape. He played a pivotal role in establishing the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal) and has been an advocate for attracting American investment to Nepal on numerous occasions.

According to Amir Raj Thapa, General Manager of AmCham Nepal, Keshap played a significant role in establishing AmCham Nepal in 2021 and gaining recognition from the American Chamber of Commerce in November 2022.

"After the establishment of AmCham Nepal, his contributions were instrumental in securing recognition from the American Chamber of Commerce," said Thapa. He emphasized that this recognition holds great significance for AmCham Nepal, facilitating easier networking with the American Chamber of Commerce's global network and fostering trust.

Thapa highlighted Keshap's positive impact in lobbying for American investment in Nepal through various networks, expressing delight at his participation in the investment conference. "He has been supportive since the inception of Mchem. We believe his participation in the investment conference will send a positive message to American investors," said Thapa.

Keshap's extensive diplomatic experience spanning 28 years includes work in Morocco, Guinea, India, and his current role as President of the America-India Business Council and America-Bangladesh Business Council.

He has previously contributed significantly to US relations in South Asia, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has held key positions in various diplomatic bureaus, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, and Bureau of International Organization Affairs.

As a diplomat, Keshap has been instrumental in strengthening US-India relations, advancing Civilian Nuclear Energy Cooperation, and expanding trilateral relations between America, India, and Japan. His expertise extends to multilateral engagements with organizations such as the European Union, United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and regions like the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, North, and South America.

Thapa emphasized Keshap's potential to safeguard existing American investments in Nepal, promote sustainability, and attract further investments. Keshap will participate as a speaker at the Nepal Investment Summit, sharing insights into Nepal's investment environment and the potential for American investment in key sectors. His presence is expected to resonate positively with investors associated in over 130 countries with AmCham worldwide and almost three million US businesses around the world.

Recently, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun was welcomed by Keshap in Washington DC during his visit to America, where Keshap facilitated meetings with representatives from Coca-Cola, Disney, and MetLife.

Keshap who arrived on Thursday was welcomed at the Tribhuvan International Airport by the President of AmCham Nirmal Kazi Shrestha.