President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has emphasized that private-sector cooperation between Nepal and Qatar should move beyond dialogue and be transformed into concrete investments, joint projects, and results-oriented partnerships.

During a meeting held in Qatar on Monday with Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, President Dhakal expressed gratitude for the long-standing friendly relationship between the two institutions and noted that the time has come to take Nepal–Qatar economic cooperation into a new phase.

“The relationship between Nepal and Qatar is not merely diplomatic; it is based on people-to-people trust and cooperation. The contribution of Nepali workers in Qatar has helped build confidence and closeness between the economies of the two countries,” President Dhakal said.

Highlighting Qatar’s global strengths in energy, infrastructure, finance, investment, tourism, services, and logistics, President Dhakal clarified that Nepal is prioritizing private-sector partnerships particularly in these areas. Recalling the understandings reached during the visit of His Highness the Amir of Qatar to Nepal in October 2023, he stated that FNCCI is fully prepared to swiftly operationalize the Nepal–Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) and emphasized the need to finalize it soon.

“From the Nepali side, the list of private-sector representatives has already been finalized. Now we want to bring this mechanism into practice,” he said.

President Dhakal expressed the view that the Joint Business Council would serve as an effective platform for B2B cooperation, identification of sector-specific investment opportunities, resolution of business-related obstacles, and advancement of joint investments and projects.

He informed that Nepal offers attractive opportunities in hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, agro-processing, information technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, health, and education, and reiterated that Nepal is open for investment. He particularly stressed that the hydropower sector - spanning generation, transmission, and energy-based industries - is well suited for long-term partnerships. Similarly, he noted that Qatari investors could play a significant role in tourism, including hotels, resorts, adventure and health tourism, as well as aviation-related services.

On the occasion, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, stated that the meeting would further strengthen Nepal–Qatar economic partnership. He also expressed commitment to enhancing cooperation with FNCCI in the coming days, according to President Dhakal. Sheikh Khalifa further conveyed his positive stance on finalizing the Nepal–Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) at the earliest.

President Dhakal also mentioned the policy and legal reforms undertaken by the Government of Nepal to improve the investment climate, driven by recent initiatives and advocacy of FNCCI. He informed that the government is carrying out reforms through policy stability, digital systems, public–private partnerships, and simplification of procedures.

Referring to the recent youth (Gen Z) movement in Nepal, President Dhakal described it as a positive sign of awareness calling for good governance, transparency, and opportunities within the country. He noted that if these voices are addressed appropriately, they could contribute in the long term to institutional strengthening and the creation of a stable business environment.

Welcoming Qatari investment in Nepal, President Dhakal also urged Nepali entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in Qatar in sectors such as services, tourism, skill development, and small and medium enterprises. He expressed the view that regular exchanges of business delegations, joint forums, and the swift activation of the Joint Business Council could transform shared interests into concrete projects.

During the meeting, President Dhakal formally invited the Chairman and delegation of the Qatar Chamber to participate in FNCCI’s upcoming Annual General Meeting. Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani committed to attending the FNCCI General Assembly, President Dhakal informed.