Nepali, Vietnamese business reps hold talks to boost economic ties

• FNCCI, VCCI discuss investment opportunities in tourism, hydropower and agriculture

KATHMANDU: Nepali and Vietnamese business representatives held talks in Hanoi to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Vietnam. The talks focused on ways of expanding economic ties between the two countries.

The discussion, held with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) on Thursday, saw Nepali business leaders highlight investment opportunities in tourism, hydropower and agriculture and appeal for greater Vietnamese investment in Nepal.

Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal urged Vietnamese investors to deepen economic cooperation. “There is huge potential in the field of economic cooperation between the two countries. I want to urge Vietnamese investors to invest in Nepal and inform them that there is significant potential for exports from Nepal,” he said. “Since products like handicrafts, tea, coffee and herbs have good market prospects in Vietnam, I urge you to increase investment in that area as well.”

Dhakal said the two economies could be complementary and pointed to potential demand in Nepal for Vietnamese agricultural produce, seafood and electronics. He added that Nepal’s environment for foreign direct investment is improving, with more investment‑friendly laws and reforms in licensing, customs and tax administration, and greater attention to the security of foreign investment.

He also highlighted growing regional investment in Nepal’s tourism sector, including hotels, resorts, cable cars, adventure tourism and wellness centres. He invited the Vietnamese delegation to attend the FNCCI’s upcoming annual general assembly to observe Nepal’s business environment first‑hand.

During the discussion, Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Executive President of VCCI, said Vietnam was keen to strengthen its economic partnership with Nepal. “There is not much cooperation between the two countries in the fields of trade and investment, although there is great potential for cooperation in this area. Our cooperation will continue in the coming days,” he said.

Likewise, Dhan Bahadur Oli, Nepali ambassador to Thailand and Vietnam, urged increased investment in Nepal and stressed that both countries should make full use of the opportunities in trade and investment as they mark 50 years of diplomatic ties. He stated that new global economic challenges make enhanced cooperation all the more necessary.

FNCCI executive committee officials and members attended the event.