Former NCC president Malla urges Chinese investors to back Nepal

KATHMANDU: Rajendra Malla, immediate past president of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), has urged Chinese entrepreneurs and businesspeople to invest in Nepal, saying that the country offers strong prospects for technology, innovation and the security of returns.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Chinese General Association of Industries and Commerce in Nepal, Malla described Nepal as 'an extremely attractive destination from the perspectives of technology, innovation, and investment' and said policy arrangements are in place to ensure the security of returns.

He said Nepal’s natural resources, strategic location and energetic youth workforce made it suitable for investment, adding that production in Nepal through Chinese investment could provide easier access to both Indian and Chinese markets.

Malla said the investment environment was improving because of the current government’s commitment to the security of foreign investment and highlighted opportunities in hydropower, tourism, agriculture, information technology, infrastructure and real estate.

He said Chinese investment in these sectors could accelerate job creation, industrial development and national transformation through modern technology, large capital and development experience. He expressed readiness to collaborate with Chinese entrepreneurs and businesspeople and promised a stable, friendly environment and assurance of returns for investors. “Now is the right time to invest in Nepal; opportunities are expanding, and the partnership with China is growing stronger,” he said.

Malla also said Nepal‑China cooperation could deliver shared prosperity, recalling historical ties dating back to the seventh century and the marriage of Nepal’s Bhrikuti to the King of Tibet.

On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, said Chinese investment was expanding in sectors including tourism and agriculture in Nepal.