Former President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has urged investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to explore investment opportunities in Nepal’s promising sectors, including tourism, hydropower, agriculture, information technology and data centres. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening air connectivity between Nepal and the UAE to facilitate investment, trade and tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Dhakal made the appeal during a meeting with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai on Thursday. He was visiting the UAE to participate in the RAK Investment Summit held in Ras Al Khaimah, where discussions focused on expanding economic cooperation and identifying potential areas for bilateral investment.
Nepal Highlights Investment Opportunities in Tourism and Other Sectors
According to Dhakal’s private secretariat, the meeting covered Nepal–UAE relations, opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and the investment potential available in Nepal. Dhakal encouraged UAE investors to consider Nepal as an emerging investment destination, particularly in sectors with significant development potential.
Tourism was among the key sectors highlighted during the discussion. Nepal’s diverse natural landscapes, Himalayan destinations, cultural heritage and growing adventure tourism opportunities offer considerable potential for investment in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, aviation-related services and destination development. He also highlighted investment opportunities in hydropower, agriculture, information technology and data centres, encouraging greater private-sector engagement to support Nepal’s economic development and strengthen business partnerships between the two countries.
Dhakal Appreciates Direct Flights to Pokhara International Airport
During the meeting, Dhakal appreciated flydubai for introducing direct flights from the UAE to Pokhara International Airport. The direct air connection is expected to support travel between Nepal and the UAE while improving access to Pokhara, one of Nepal’s major tourism destinations. Pokhara serves as an important gateway to the Annapurna region and attracts domestic and international visitors for its mountain scenery, lakes, adventure activities and cultural attractions.
Improved international air connectivity can make the destination more accessible to overseas travellers and create additional opportunities for tourism businesses. Dhakal also requested efforts to introduce direct flights from the UAE to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. The proposed air connection could improve access to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and one of Nepal’s most significant international pilgrimage destinations.
Stronger Air Connectivity to Support Nepal–UAE Tourism Ties
Expanding direct air connectivity between the UAE and Nepal could play an important role in strengthening tourism, trade and investment relations. The UAE is an important international aviation hub, connecting travellers from different parts of the world. Improved flight connections to Pokhara and Bhairahawa could therefore help Nepal attract more international visitors and promote tourism destinations beyond Kathmandu.
Direct flights to Gautam Buddha International Airport would provide international travellers with more convenient access to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and one of Nepal’s major pilgrimage destinations, as well as other nearby attractions. Similarly, stronger air connectivity to Pokhara could make it easier for international visitors to explore the city, the Annapurna region and other tourism destinations in western Nepal. Improved access to these destinations could encourage more visitors, support tourism-related businesses and help promote Nepal’s diverse tourism offerings to international markets.
Dhakal’s appeal for investment and additional air services highlights the importance of strengthening business partnerships and air connectivity to support Nepal’s tourism and economic development. Greater engagement with UAE investors, alongside improved flight connections to Pokhara and Bhairahawa, could create new opportunities for tourism investment, improve access to major destinations and strengthen travel and trade exchanges between the two countries. Such initiatives could further enhance Nepal’s position as an attractive tourism and investment destination while contributing to stronger bilateral economic cooperation.
Source-RSS
