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Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Immediate Past President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Chairman of the IME Group, has called on investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand their engagement in Nepal, stating that the country is ready for greater foreign investment and long-term economic partnerships.

Speaking at a dinner reception hosted on Thursday evening in Chandragiri to honor the UAE Minister for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and a high-level UAE government and private sector delegation, Dhakal emphasized that Nepal and the UAE should transform their longstanding friendship into a stronger partnership driven by investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Congratulating the UAE on its remarkable economic transformation over the past five decades, Dhakal described the country's development as an inspiration for nations like Nepal. He noted that the UAE's success in trade, finance, tourism, innovation, and technology reflects visionary leadership, investment-friendly policies, and a commitment to sustainable development.

Referring to the upcoming Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the UAE in 2027, Dhakal stated that this milestone presents a prime opportunity to elevate bilateral relations beyond labor migration and remittances toward investment, trade, and joint ventures.

"The time has come to take our relationship to the next level through greater investment, trade, and business partnerships," he said.

Dhakal welcomed the ongoing discussions regarding the Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA), the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expressing hope that these frameworks would be finalized in the near future.

"These important agreements will further enhance investor confidence and create a more enabling environment for businesses in both countries," he said, while acknowledging the initiative and support of the UAE Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Abdulla Al Shamsi, in advancing these discussions.

Highlighting Nepal's investment potential, Dhakal noted that the country offers attractive opportunities in hydropower, tourism, digital payments, fintech, transport, urban infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and industrial development. He added that the UAE's expertise in infrastructure, tourism, logistics, renewable energy, finance, and technology aligns well with Nepal's development priorities, creating significant prospects for joint ventures.

Sharing the IME Group's experience, Dhakal highlighted the group's longstanding partnership with the UAE, which spans banking, remittances, and digital payment services through collaboration with leading UAE financial institutions. He added that the IME Group is also exploring new investments in tourism infrastructure - including cable cars, luxury resorts, hydropower, and integrated theme parks - where collaboration with UAE investors could help develop world-class tourism destinations in Nepal.

Recalling the Nepal-UAE Business Summit organized on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai during his tenure as FNCCI President, as well as his participation in the World Governments Summit, Dhakal said these engagements reinforced his confidence that the UAE considers Nepal a promising investment destination.

"Nepal is ready. This is the right time to invest in Nepal," he said, urging UAE investors to partner with Nepal's private sector to build businesses that generate employment, promote innovation, and deliver shared prosperity for both countries.