Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba urged Indian investors to look at opportunities in Nepal at an India-Nepal Business Forum held on 23 August 2017 in New Delhi, India. He highlighted gains in Nepal's governance—including its progressive constitution, laws and policies on foreign investment, public-private partnership, special economic zones, industrial enterprises, labor, mining, banking, and intellectual property—Nepal's duty-free access to the European market, and preferential market entry into the United States for over 60 products.

The Prime Minister encouraged stakeholders from both countries to work together to advance the common goal of greater prosperity. He also noted the importance of cross-border infrastructure for a landlocked country, noting that physical connectivity through roads, rail, and air is key to lowering business costs, and deepening people-to-people ties.

Ms. Bhawani Rana, President, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also spoke on the widening trade gap between Nepal and India and appealed for more fearless investments from India's private and public sectors, particularly in the productive sector.

She highlighted that now is the right time to invest in Nepal, and urged the governments of Nepal and India to further enhance regional economic cooperation and integration, and boost regional trade by simplifying trade procedures between the two countries.

Related links:

• FNCCI urges Indian pvt sector to invest in Nepal
• Nepal can be new melting pot for tourists, traders and investors: PM Deuba