FNCCI President Dhakal meets South African Ambassador to promote tourism infrastructure investment

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal met South Africa’s High Commissioner to India and Ambassador to Nepal, Professor Anil Sooklal, to discuss ways to boost bilateral investment.

During the meeting held at FNCCI Secretariat in Kathmandu on Tuesday, Dhakal highlighted opportunities for South African investors in Nepal’s tourism infrastructure and urged the envoy to promote Nepal among business circles in South Africa.

Dhakal mentioned that, despite limited current trade, there was clear scope to expand commercial ties in sectors such as agro-processing, hydropower, infrastructure and information technology (IT). “Nepal’s geography allows one to travel from Tarai to high-altitude scenic hills within an hour,” he said. “That makes Nepal a suitable destination for investment in resort wellness centres, adventure tourism and ecotourism.”

The FNCCI President added that the government, at FNCCI’s initiative, has amended 30 investment-related laws, simplifying procedures for foreign investment and profit repatriation. He expressed confidence that the framework for a bilateral investment agreement, approved by the government, would create a more reliable environment for investors.

On the occasion, Ambassador Sooklal reiterated his commitment to strengthening trade and investment relations, especially in tourism. “Tourism is a sector where South Africa’s wildlife tourism and Nepal’s landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage can be promoted together,” he said.

Nepal currently imports food grains, fruit, beverages and machinery from South Africa, while its exports include carpets, ready-made garments and iron products. Both sides said the meeting would make Nepal–South Africa relations more effective and result-oriented. Former FNCCI president and South Africa’s honorary consul to Nepal, Pradeep Kumar Shrestha, was also present at the meeting.