Nepal’s participation in the 2025 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) marked a significant diplomatic and economic achievement, with fruitful engagements between the Nepali delegation and prominent Russian institutions, the Investment Board of Nepal (IBN) informed.

Led by IBN CEO Sushil Gyewali, the Nepali delegation held high-level meetings with Russian stakeholders, including the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Sberbank, Russian Railways, RusHydro, InterRAO, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation. These discussions focused on investment in infrastructure, hydropower, natural resource exploration, and industrial development.

"The Nepali team highlighted recent reforms aimed at enhancing the investment climate in Nepal, such as strengthened investor protection, tax incentives, and the streamlined One-Stop Service Centre," the IBN said in a statement on Friday.

Russian counterparts responded positively, showing keen interest in exploring opportunities and sharing expertise in policy, technology, and project implementation.

Nepali delegation was comprised of Ambassador Janga Bahadur Chauhan, IBN Joint Secretary Pradhumna Prasad Upadhaya, Senior Engineer Dr. Youb Raj Paudyal, Member of Parliament and industrialist Binod Chaudhary, and key representatives from Nepal Rastra Bank and the Non-Resident Nepali Association.

"The forum, attended by over 24,200 delegates from 144 countries and addressed by President Vladimir Putin, offered a vital platform for Nepal to present itself as an emerging investment destination. SPIEF organisers have invited a larger and more senior Nepali delegation to participate next year," read the statement.

Nepal and Russia expressed mutual commitment to ongoing dialogue and partnership development. The Nepali delegation acknowledged Russia’s sustained support for Nepal’s development aspirations and reaffirmed its dedication to fostering deeper economic ties through continued engagement.

The SPIEF, which has been organised annually since 1997, was held from June 18 to 21. The Nepali delegation had left Russia on the last day of the Forum.