NICCI, IBN discuss strengthening India-Nepal investment cooperation
KATHMANDU: Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) held discussions on Thursday on strengthening Indian investment in Nepal and enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. The discussions also covered plans for a proposed Nepal-India CEO Roundtable linked to the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal to India.
The proposed CEO Roundtable emerged as a key agenda item, with participants highlighting the need for a focused agenda, prioritised sectors and carefully selected companies to ensure meaningful engagement and concrete follow-up.
The meeting at the Office of the Investment Board in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu focused on expanding engagement between the public and private sectors, showcasing successful Indian investments in Nepal and identifying opportunities to attract additional investment through targeted business-to-business interaction.
Office of the Investment Board Chief Executive Officer Yanki Ukyab welcomed NICCI’s engagement and discussed strengthening investment facilitation, improving coordination among stakeholders and developing a more structured approach to investment promotion. She also highlighted the role of constructive private-sector participation and well-prepared proposals in advancing investment opportunities.
The meeting also explored opportunities for closer institutional cooperation, including knowledge sharing and stronger links between Nepal’s investment facilitation institutions and Indian business networks.
During the discussion, NICCI President Kunal Kayal highlighted the chamber’s network of Indian business organisations and its presence in India, stressing the need to communicate Nepal’s investment potential more effectively and draw attention to the contribution of Indian enterprises operating in the country.
NICCI Vice President Gaurav Tayal identified specialised healthcare, higher education, transport connectivity, logistics and infrastructure as potential areas for cooperation. He underscored the importance of connecting prospective investors with clearly identified opportunities aligned with Nepal’s development priorities and private-sector participation.
According to NICCI, the discussion reflected a shared interest in increasing investment engagement through practical collaboration, stronger institutional ties and continued dialogue between government agencies and the private sector.
NICCI said it will continue engaging with relevant stakeholders to advance the discussions and strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between Nepal and India.
Participants included NICCI President Kayal, Immediate Past President Sunil KC, Vice President Tayal, Permanent Invitee Saibal Ghosh, NICCI Director Marshal Rathour and Programme Associate Shreyasi Rana. Representing IBN were CEO Ukyab, Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa, Senior Divisional Engineer Dipak Mudbhari and other officials.
