FNCCI President meets Guangdong Provincial Committee's SC member Wang to discuss trade, investment

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal met Wang Xi, head of the Chinese Communist Party’s Guangdong Provincial Committee United Front Work Department, at the FNCCI Secretariat in Teku, Kathmandu, on Friday.

During the meeting with Wang, also Standing Committee member of Guangdong Provincial Committee, the two discussed economic and diplomatic relations, trade, investment and cooperation between Nepal and China.

Dhakal highlighted the long and trustworthy relationship between the two countries and urged cooperation in technology and innovation. He noted China’s support in tourism, infrastructure and energy has significantly contributed to Nepal’s development and pointed to the potential for trade and investment ties with Guangdong. “The potential for trade and investment with Guangdong, along with its experience in science and technology and its active engagement in building international and internal partnerships, will open new doors for cooperation,” he said.

Referring to FNCCI’s initiatives to create an easy business environment, Dhakal said the government has recently amended and revised more than 30 laws with FNCCI’s active involvement. Emphasising the need for a bilateral investment agreement between Nepal and China, he added, “Such an agreement will strengthen the legal and institutional framework and encourage Chinese investors to invest in Nepal.”

Highlighting investment opportunities in energy, construction, information technology (IT), tourism and agricultural processing, the FNCCI President requested the Guangdong government’s help in connecting with potential investors and organisations in those sectors. He said FNCCI is ready to cooperate on joint ventures, trade visits and knowledge exchange programmes.

Speaking on the occasion, Wang Xi praised the long economic, social and cultural ties between Nepal and China and said China remains positive about Nepal’s economic development. He offered to share China’s successes in technology and innovation, stating, “Nepal can also benefit from our experience. We are ready for that cooperation.” He added that collaboration is possible in food processing, agriculture and tourism, and that he would initiate efforts to advance Nepal–Guangdong economic cooperation.