Nepal, Qatar officials meet to deepen economic ties, expand air connectivity

KATHMANDU: Senior officials from Nepal and Qatar met at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation on Monday to discuss ways to deepen economic ties, boost tourism and expand air connectivity between the two countries.

The meeting, held under an initiative of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), brought together Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) board member Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, and representatives from Qatar Airways.

Participants held detailed talks on strengthening Nepal-Qatar economic development, promoting tourism, expanding flight services and cooperation in the civil aviation sector. Discussions focused on increasing the number of direct flights, adding new destinations and exploring collaboration between Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) and Qatar Airways.

Minister Sinha said international carriers must play an active role for Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport to operate at full capacity, noting that “the role of Qatar Airways will be significant.” He added that the government is prioritising policy reforms and facilitation to expand tourism, investment and trade in Nepal.

FNCCI President Dhakal highlighted opportunities across multiple sectors, saying there are “significant possibilities for expansion in tourism, investment, aviation, hotels, and the infrastructure sector between Nepal and Qatar.” He pointed to prospects for Qatari investors in “hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and service sectors.”

Mohamed Bin Ahmed Al Obaidly of the Qatar Chamber said Qatar’s private sector is interested in long-term economic cooperation with Nepal and expressed confidence that cooperation in aviation and tourism would “further strengthen trade and people‑to‑people relations between the two countries.”

The Qatari delegation arrived in Nepal on Sunday at the invitation of the FNCCI for a meeting of Nepal‑Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC). Organisers said the talks are expected to elevate bilateral relations and support economic development through tourism promotion and expanded air connectivity.