Nepal, Qatar explore long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Balnanda Sharma has emphasized the need to advance Nepal–Qatar cooperation in a sustainable, long-term, and mutually beneficial manner.

Minister Sharma made the remarks during a meeting on Tuesday with a Qatari delegation led by Mohammad Ahmed M.A. Al Obaidli, a board member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He highlighted that achieving goals independently is increasingly difficult in today’s global environment, making mutual cooperation essential.

Stressing the role of the private sector as the engine of a modern economy, Minister Sharma urged Qatari business representatives to consider investment opportunities in Nepal. He noted that Nepal could learn much from Qatar’s development experience and suggested identifying sectors for joint investment that would be advantageous for both countries.

Mohammad Ahmed Al Obaidli proposed advancing Nepal–Qatar cooperation through a public–private partnership (PPP) model. He emphasized the importance of deeply understanding Qatar’s international market experience, strategic global partners, and available opportunities to effectively translate cooperation into practice.

Al Obaidli added that both politics and the private sector could act as catalysts to strengthen bilateral relations. He also highlighted plans to make the chambers of commerce and trade councils of both countries more active.

Noting that the Qatar Chamber is a globally strong networking platform, he mentioned that over 350 international delegations visit Qatar annually. He further stated that Qatar is now keen to invest in emerging sectors such as energy, tourism, and technology.

Invited by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), the Qatari delegation also met Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal and Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Prof. Dr. Vishwanath Paudel on Tuesday.

The discussions focused on Nepal’s existing legal framework for foreign investment, the banking system, and investment opportunities.

The Qatari delegation indicated that with stable policies, clear legal structures, and banking facilitation, Qatari investors are ready for long-term investment in Nepal.

The meetings were attended by Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Misal Bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, and FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal.