Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry

London Embassy Initiates Trade and Investment Drive to Nepal

On Thursday the 28 th of July H.E. The Ambassador of Nepal, Dr. Suresh C. Chalise hosted a Commercial Reception at the Embassy of Nepal for representatives from more than 100 British organisations including The Body Shop, Twinning's, Finlay's, AECOM, PwC, UKTI, URS Scott Wilson, HSBC, BAA. The evening was held to highlight the potential of Nepal as an emerging market for trade and investment. After having identified 19 priority export sectors under the Nepalese Integration and Trade Strategy (NTIS) 2010, the Reception was the first of its kind organised by the Embassy of Nepal in London and is to act as a prelude to the Trade Mission to Nepal in coming October. H.E. the Ambassador of Nepal, Dr. Suresh C. Chalise, who opened the evening with a welcome speech and emphasised for deepening the UK-Nepal relations through further economic cooperation at the business community level, said that “Nepal's membership to World Bank promoted Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which ensures against any non-commercial risks, should also enhance the level of confidence of the British investors.”

Presentations were given by Kewal Shrestha, representative of Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NBCCI), Mr Shrestha pinpointed the strategic significance of Nepal's location between emerging market giants India and China and the opportunities this presented for businesses. Peter Fowler, Chairman of the British-Nepal Chamber of Commerce (BNCC) spoke on the excellent historic relationship between Britain and Nepal and the commitment of both countries to continue strengthening their bond through trade and investment. William Westgate, of the London Training School gave an alternative insight into Nepal as a foreign businessman who has had experience of conducting business in and with Nepal. The growing attractiveness of alternative holiday destinations away from traditional sun, sea and sand was emphasized. Nepal with its diverse geography, abundance of natural and cultural beauty and mountain ranges was said by Westgate to have the promise to push Nepal to the top of many holiday maker's destinations lists. Ash Verma from Gateway Asia emphasised in the Trade mission and Gateway Asia involvement with the Nepalese embassy, BNCCI and Asian market.

Prashant Kunwar from the embassy who co-ordinated the programme concluded the presentation part by vote of thanks to all who invaluably worked for the success of programme.

After doing five business workshops and seminars along with BNCC and Gateway Asia, this reception was conclusion of the series of events and was aimed at bringing all the British economic organisations together with many expressing an interest in conducting business with and in Nepal. The working reception helped informing the participants about the potential Trade and Investment opportunities in Nepal and its investment friendly climate. The Trade Mission now will follow in October and will further build on the Embassy's ongoing effort to promote economic development and growth throughout the country whilst strengthening international ties with the UK. Following the presentations guests were treated to a taste of Nepalese culture with a Nepalese dance performance and a Nepalese buffet supper.