HANOI, Dec 11 – Nepal and Vietnam marked 50 years of diplomatic ties on Thursday with business leaders from both countries discussing ways to expand economic cooperation, including investment in tourism, hydropower, and agriculture.

At a meeting in Hanoi with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, representatives of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) urged Vietnamese investors to explore opportunities in Nepal.

FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said Nepal and Vietnam should strengthen economic collaboration. “There is huge potential for cooperation. I invite Vietnamese investors to consider Nepal, where handicrafts, tea, coffee, and herbal products have strong export prospects,” he said, adding that Nepal’s economy and Vietnam’s production base could complement each other.

Dhakal noted that Nepal has improved its investment climate, with reforms in licensing, customs, and taxation, and said the government is committed to protecting foreign investment. He highlighted opportunities in hotels, resorts, cable cars, adventure tourism, and wellness centers.

Nguyen Cuong Vinh, deputy executive chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Vietnam also sees potential for greater trade and investment with Nepal. “There is limited cooperation so far, but the prospects are significant. We look forward to strengthening our partnership,” he said.

Nepal’s ambassador to Thailand and Vietnam, Dhan Bahadur Oli, stressed that both countries should seize opportunities in trade and investment as they celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations.