NGCCI hosts Nepal–UK investment meet

KATHMANDU: Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NGCCI), in collaboration with the Nepal Centre UK, organised a Nepal–UK investment meeting at the House of Lords on Wednesday to discuss bilateral trade and investment potential and attract new capital.

High-level government officials and senior business figures from Nepal and the UK took part in the event, which was hosted by NGCCI President Santosh Chandra Kunwar and Nirmal Kumar Thapa of Nepal Centre UK.

Sushil Gyawali, CEO of Investment Board Nepal (IBN), outlined Nepal’s investment opportunities in energy, tourism and infrastructure. He mentioned that streamlined processes and attractive incentives have improved the country’s business environment, and he urged UK investors to seize Nepal’s vast potential in hydropower, airport modernisation and hospitality.

Baroness Verma praised Nepal’s strategic location between India and China, describing it as an ideal destination for British firms. She added that the UK–Nepal relationship could be further enhanced through increased trade and investment.

UK-based entrepreneurs welcomed Nepal’s reforms but raised concerns over implementation. George Chacko, a London-based tech entrepreneur, called the policies promising yet stressed the need for consistent on-the-ground execution, while Rabindra Jung Lamichhane of Gini London cited remaining bureaucratic hurdles.

NGCCI President Kunwar also requested all interested entrepreneurs to increase their investments in Nepal, highlighting the country’s promise for foreign capital.

Ambassador of Nepal to UK, Chandra Ghimire, reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting serious investors and highlighted ongoing cooperation to ensure sustainable investment projects. Fashion designer Sanyukta Shrestha presented case studies of successful UK–Nepal industry collaborations, underscoring the meeting’s practical benefits.

Nirmal Kumar Thapa of Nepal Centre UK, one of the organisers of the event, said such dialogues are vital to strengthening economic engagement and revealed that a British trade delegation is expected to visit Kathmandu later this year. He added that several UK firms have already expressed interest in exploring Nepali ventures.