Kathmandu: Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat has highlighted the importance of thorough preparation for the upcoming investment summit scheduled for April. Speaking during a meeting of the investment summit direction committee at the Finance Ministry, Minister Mahat stressed the need to differentiate the upcoming summit, slated for April 21-22, from previous ones by attracting more investors.

Mahat mentioned plans to conduct bilateral meetings with potential investors before the summit and emphasized the government's commitment to protecting foreign investment through the implementation of bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements (BIPPAs). The government aims to attract national, Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs), and foreign investors, with preparations already underway. The Finance Minister also mentioned seeking the support of foreign ambassadors to enhance the event's effectiveness.

During the meeting, Ram Kumar Phuyal, a member of the National Planning Commission, called for a review of past investment summits and suggested corrections based on the findings. Maha Prasad Adhikari, the Governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, highlighted the importance of effective and speedy engagement, considering the limited time available. Former Chairman of the Investment Board, Radhes Pant, stressed the need for a result-oriented approach and recommended the enforcement of hedging regulations and adequate employee management.

Hari Bhakta Sharma, former Chairman of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, expressed concerns about the non-implementation of previous investment summits and called for effective measures in the upcoming event.