Doha, Qatar — Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), met with Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Chamber, to discuss ways to deepen economic and business cooperation between Nepal and Qatar.

During the meeting, both leaders agreed to convene the next session of the Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) in Kathmandu, recognizing the council as a vital platform for enhancing bilateral trade and investment. Dhakal emphasized the importance of finalizing the JBC’s membership list to ensure its effectiveness and operational momentum.

Commending Qatar’s support in establishing the JBC, Dhakal invited Qatari investors to explore Nepal’s diverse investment landscape. “Nepal offers tremendous opportunities in hydropower, solar energy, information technology, fintech, and agriculture-based industries,” he said.

Dhakal also highlighted FNCCI’s ongoing digital transformation and proposed collaboration with the Qatar Chamber in areas such as AI-powered business facilitation tools, blockchain-based trade documentation, and digital platforms for investment matchmaking. “Qatar’s experience in advanced digital adoption can greatly support FNCCI’s evolution into a modern, tech-driven institution,” he added.

Sheikh Al Thani affirmed Qatar Chamber’s commitment to strengthening the JBC framework and expressed interest in continuing high-level engagements to boost economic ties with Nepal.

Dhakal extended an invitation to the Qatar Chamber and Qatari business leaders to participate in the upcoming Nepal International Economic Summit (NIES), scheduled for February next year in Kathmandu. He revealed that a special Qatar-focused investment session is being planned to spotlight opportunities and foster deeper collaboration.

“The Nepal-Qatar partnership holds immense potential for growth through innovation, investment, and cooperation,” Dhakal noted. He also proposed joint initiatives on certification, standardization, and branding to help Nepali products—such as tea, coffee, cardamom, herbs, and processed foods—gain greater access to the Qatari market.

The meeting was attended by senior officials and prominent business representatives from the Qatar Chamber, including Chairman Al Thani.