NCC, Spanish Chamber to deepen trade and investment ties

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce have agreed to deepen bilateral economic cooperation by strengthening institutional ties, promoting trade and investment and facilitating business exchanges between the two countries.

The understanding was reached at a meeting held at the NCC secretariat in Chamber Bhawan, Jamal, Kathmandu, during the visit to Nepal by the Director General of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Inmaculada Riera i Rene.

Both sides said they were optimistic that Nepal’s improving political stability and its strategic location between India and China present favourable conditions for expanding business and investment. They agreed to work towards signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two chambers by the end of 2026 or early 2027 to institutionalise cooperation.

As part of the collaboration, the Spanish Chamber plans to organise a business delegation of around eight to nine Spanish companies to visit Nepal in February-March 2027. The visit is expected to include a business forum aimed at connecting Spanish and Nepali entrepreneurs and exploring new investment opportunities.

Discussions also focused on enhancing government‑to‑government engagement, including facilitating business visas, encouraging official visits and exploring opportunities arising from ongoing European Union–India trade negotiations that could benefit Nepal.

The meeting identified priority sectors for cooperation: renewable energy, hydropower, solar and wind energy, water management, smart cities, transportation, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and food processing.

Participants highlighted Nepal’s export potential in premium orthodox tea, organic coffee, large cardamom, medicinal and aromatic herbs, essential oils, pashmina, handmade carpets, handicrafts, handmade paper, silver jewellery, organic honey and bamboo products. Spain, they said, could contribute advanced technology and expertise in renewable energy, irrigation, agricultural machinery, medical equipment, water treatment and tourism management.

Both sides emphasised promoting bilateral trade through participation in international trade fairs in Madrid, Barcelona and Kathmandu, and expanding digital trade and e‑commerce links. Spanish companies with experience in South Asia were cited as potential partners for Nepal’s development priorities, particularly in infrastructure, clean energy and sustainable investment.

Concluding the meeting, representatives from both chambers expressed confidence that stronger institutional cooperation, regular business exchanges and increased private‑sector engagement would significantly boost Spain‑Nepal trade and investment in the coming years.