FNCCI president discusses trade and investment with UAE Ministry of Economy undersecretary

KATHMANDU: Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Chandra Prasad Dhakal recently met Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to discuss strengthening bilateral economic relations and expanding trade and investment cooperation.

The meeting held on January 6, attended by Nepal’s ambassador to the UAE, Tej Bahadur Chhetri, saw both sides express their commitment to making Nepal–UAE economic cooperation more effective and to advancing partnerships for mutual benefit.

FNCCI President Dhakal outlined investment opportunities in Nepal and emphasised the need to deepen private sector cooperation. He identified hydropower, tourism, agro‑processing, large‑scale infrastructure and information technology (IT) as priority sectors for expanded trade and investment, and opined that the commencement of direct flights by Emirates to Kathmandu will be significant for the expansion of tourism, trade and overall business movement.

The Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy expressed interest in the projects and opportunities presented and said the UAE was positive about increasing private sector cooperation. Both sides pledged to pursue deeper cooperation and to work towards concrete results.

Dhakal added that Al Saleh recalled his visit to Nepal in 2018 and had spoken warmly of Nepali hospitality and cuisine.