President Ramchandra Paudel has invited the Japanese business community to explore trade and investment opportunities in Nepal, assuring them of the government’s full support in facilitating business and investment.
He expressed confidence that the Government of Nepal is firmly committed to providing all possible assistance to Japanese investors and traders interested in Nepal.
President Paudel made these remarks while addressing an interactive program with members of the Japanese business community in Tokyo on Monday, organized to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan. He said Nepal is keen to build close partnerships with Japan’s private sector.
“We have created a stable macroeconomic environment with attractive returns on investment, profit repatriation, and simplified procedures,” President Paudel said. “The Government of Nepal is fully committed to providing support, seamless facilitation, and security for foreign investment.”
Nepal–Japan Ties Rooted in History, Culture, and Mutual Benefit
President Paudel said that as Nepal and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, this is an opportune moment to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. Referring to the shared inspiration from the philosophy of Gautam Buddha, he noted that Nepal–Japan relations have deep cultural roots dating back to ancient times.
Quoting Buddha, he said, “The victory of peace is one in which no one is defeated.”
Calling on Japanese investors to invest and do business in Nepal without hesitation, President Paudel highlighted sectors such as agriculture, water resources, and tourism as promising areas. He urged Japanese businesses to invest in Nepal in a way that benefits both countries.
“Investment in Nepal brings not only wealth but also virtue,” he said.
He added that the long-standing relationship between Nepal and Japan, based on goodwill, friendship, and cooperation, has remained exemplary. The enthusiastic participation of the Japanese business community, he said, would help establish stronger trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Government Highlights Reforms and Investment-Friendly Environment
President Paudel praised Japan’s decades-long support as a reliable development partner in Nepal’s social and economic development, noting that bilateral relations have strengthened not only at the government level but also among the people of both countries.
He said Nepal’s efforts are focused on achieving political stability, social justice, good governance, and prosperity for its people. He also noted that Nepal is expected to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category by the end of this year and aims to become a middle-income country by 2030.
“Achieving these goals requires significant resources,” he said. “Among other priorities, we are focusing on attracting large-scale foreign investment in national priority sectors, expanding trade, diversifying connectivity, promoting tourism, and acquiring advanced technology.”
President Paudel stressed that no country can achieve prosperity without strong cooperation between the government and the private sector domestically, and partnerships with other countries internationally.
He said Nepal has adopted liberal economic policies and opened nearly all sectors—including manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, services, information technology, mining, and agriculture-based industries—to foreign investment. He added that Nepal has carried out extensive legal, procedural, and institutional reforms to ease trade, attract foreign investment, and promote innovation.
“The Investment Board Nepal provides one-stop services to large investors,” he said. “Independent assessments by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and major international rating agencies have confirmed that Nepal offers one of the most favorable business environments in South Asia.”
President Paudel also expressed confidence that Nepal’s strategic location between two emerging global economies—India and China—offers significant advantages to potential investors.
On the occasion, Harihar Kant Paudel, Acting Ambassador of Nepal to Japan, delivered the welcome address, while Amrit Rai, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Bhrigu Dhungana, Joint Secretary, made presentations on Nepal’s investment potential.
Several members of the Japanese business community said they were pleased to learn about the wide range of investment opportunities in Nepal, noting that the interaction had helped open new doors for future investment.
