FNCCI President urges UK entrepreneurs to invest in Nepal’s digital trade

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal has urged British entrepreneurs to forge long-term collaboration in digital trade and investment.

Addressing the Nepal–UK Tech Forum, organised by the Nepalese Embassy in the UK, Dhakal highlighted the potential for investment in technology and digital services in Nepal, calling for joint investment, startup exchange and partnerships in sectors such as IT, e-governance, fintech and edu-tech.

He outlined the ongoing transformation of Nepal’s investment environment and its technology-friendly policies, stating that it is an opportune time to invest in the IT sector. “Nepal has given special attention to legal reforms to create an investment-friendly environment. Over 30 laws have been amended in the past year, which have simplified business and investment processes,” he said. “To facilitate investors, FNCCI has established an FDI Support Desk and digitised business registration and management processes through the Nagarik App.”

Emphasising the need for international cooperation to develop Nepal’s digital infrastructure, promote online systems and strengthen technical standards for global competition, Dhakal said that as Nepal prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status after 2026, its digital trade and service sectors must be made competitive in the global market.

He mentioned that Nepal’s private sector contributes over 80% of gross domestic product (GDP) and plays a major role in job creation, adding that it is ready to lead in building a digital economy. “Nepal has sought to coordinate investment laws with provisions on environment, land, labour and tax, and has called for policy stability over the next ten years, which will provide certainty to domestic and foreign investors,” he said.

The programme, which included experts from the UK technology sector, investors and diplomatic representatives, discussed ways to deepen digital trade and technology partnerships between Nepal and the UK.