Nepal–Spain Business Forum 2026 urges closer cooperation to boost trade, investment

KATHMANDU: Nepal–Spain Business Forum 2026, held in Madrid on Tuesday, urged closer cooperation between Spanish investors and Nepal’s government and private sector to boost trade and investment.

Organised by the Embassy of Nepal in Madrid, the forum brought together public officials and business representatives from both countries to narrow gaps between Spanish investors and Nepali entrepreneurs and to promote commercial partnerships.

Chargé d’Affaires Purak Adhikari opened the event, welcoming participants and saying the forum was intended to deepen Nepal–Spain commercial relations and promote collaboration in sectors with high potential. He introduced Nepal’s industries as generational enterprises that use ethically sourced materials and indigenous technologies.

Navin Raj Sharma, acting executive director of the Trade and Export Promotion Centre of Nepal, presented data on textile trade between the two countries and highlighted opportunities for Nepali textile products in the Spanish market. He also showcased a range of Nepali textile and garment items, which he said have strong potential among Spanish consumers.

Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal (FEEN) President Govinda Ghimire reviewed the history and composition of Nepal-Spain trade and highlighted the competitive advantages of Nepali textile and jewellery products made from premium natural fibres such as Chyangra wool, Himalayan sheep wool, hemp and nettle. They noted rising demand for Nepali handmade silver jewellery, prayer beads and traditional ornaments in niche international markets.

Pashupati Dev Pandey, president of Garment Association of Nepal (GAN), said the garment sector has seen notable growth in recent years following legal and policy reforms and stressed the need for continued collaboration between the two countries’ business communities.

Luis Rodriguez, deputy director of international relations at the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, outlined the chamber’s activities and pointed to the dynamism of Spain’s jewellery and fashion industries. He said Spanish consumers are increasingly receptive to unique international products and expressed confidence that stronger business-to-business partnerships would enhance commercial ties.

The forum concluded with a question-and-answer session and a networking period attended by representatives of Spanish textile and jewellery companies, investment agencies, government officials and members of the Spanish media.

(With inputs from RSS)