Kathmandu: The Nepal-Dubai Business Forum wrapped up in Dubai, UAE, on Thursday evening with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' addressing the gathering. Organized jointly by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Embassy of Nepal in the UAE in collaboration with Dubai Chambers, the event aimed to foster economic relations between Nepal and the UAE.*

Prime Minister Dahal used the platform to highlight major policies and reform measures, encouraging investors in the UAE to explore opportunities in Nepal. Abdullah Ahmed Mohammed Al Saleh, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between Nepal and the UAE to strengthen economic relations.

Mohammad Ali bin Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, expressed optimism about the potential for increased cooperation between FNCCI and Dubai Chambers. FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal underscored the importance of strengthening economic and trade relations between Nepal and the UAE.

The event saw the participation of prominent business leaders and dignitaries from both the UAE and Nepal. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Dahal visited the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi as part of his ongoing visit to the UAE.

Prime Minister Dahal, currently in the UAE at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, is attending the COP28 in Expo City Dubai.

During the Nepal-Business Forum, themed 'Investment Potential in Nepal: An Interaction with Dubai Business Communities,' Prime Minister Prachanda stressed the need for significant investments in infrastructure, human resources, and technology to enable Nepal's graduation from the LDC category by 2026. He invited the vibrant UAE business community to invest in Nepal, citing opportunities in various sectors such as hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and ICT.

The PM assured investors of Nepal's commitment to protecting and promoting their interests. He highlighted recent policy, legal, procedural, and institutional reforms to create a conducive business environment, including the enactment of laws such as the Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act, Public Private Partnership and Investment Act, Industrial Enterprises Act, and Special Economic Zones Act.

PM Prachanda expressed gratitude to the UAE government for hosting Nepali migrant workers, recognizing their contributions to the socio-economic transformation of Nepal. He emphasized the potential of returnee migrant workers in future investment projects between the UAE and Nepal.

The Nepal-Dubai Business Forum provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration between business communities in Nepal and the UAE, fostering economic ties and exploring investment opportunities.