The first meeting of the Nepal-Qatar Business Council was held in Doha on Wednesday, where Qatari investors expressed strong interest in exploring investment opportunities in Nepal.

During the meeting, Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, chairperson of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that Qatari investors are particularly interested in Nepal's IT sector, pharmaceutical industry, banking and financial services, hydropower, and tourism.

The meeting featured discussions between Chair Al-Thani and a delegation from the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), led by President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, focusing on expanding economic ties between the two countries.

The establishment of the Business Council follows the state visit of Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to Nepal on April 23 and 24, during which an agreement was signed between the FNCCI and the Qatar Chamber to form the Council.

In this inaugural meeting at the chairman level, FNCCI President Dhakal and Qatar Chamber Chair Al-Thani agreed to appoint members under their respective leadership to complete the formation of the Council soon. Dhakal also proposed hosting a Qatar-Nepal Business Summit in Nepal, which was agreed to be held next year.

FNCCI President Dhakal emphasized Nepal's external sector stability and recent legal reforms that have created favorable investment conditions. He invited Qatari investors to explore opportunities in Nepal's hydropower, tourism, information technology, and skill development sectors.

Dhakal also represented Nepal's private sector at the Asian Cooperation Dialogue organized by the Qatari government. -- RSS