Kathmandu, June 1
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has asked Japan to invest in Nepal’s industrial sector. In a meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Kikuta Yutaka today, Chamber Chairman Rajendra Malla encouraged Japan to foster an investment environment in Nepal’s industries, hydropower, highways, and tourism.
“Nepal has lately adopted plenty of policy changes aimed at preserving foreign investment. The government has declared that the property will be leased for 50 years in next year’s budget. We are devoted to the safety of Japan’s investments”, Chairman Malla said.
He asked the Ambassador to establish an industry in Nepal to produce goods that are both
consumed in Nepal and in great demand worldwide, in order to lower Nepal’s trade imbalance with Japan. Chairman Malla asked the Ambassador to create industries with Japanese investment and trade in nations such as India and China, claiming that land prices and labor costs would be lower in Nepal.
”Sixty-six years have passed since Nepal and Japan established diplomatic ties. Through its numerous donor agencies, including JICA, Japan has been giving financial and technical aid to Nepal. Economic ties between the two nations are also strong.
Chairman Malla also asked the Ambassador to take the initiative to introduce Japanese
technology into Nepal’s agricultural sector, stating that the government has prioritized agriculture in its budget. Ambassador Yutaka stated at the meeting that the bilateral connections between Nepal and Japan were historic.
”The two nations have a positive connection. From the ground up, we aim to bring it closer ”Ambassador Yutaka said. He also promised to keep working with Nepal on all levels of the economy and society. The Ambassador stated that the Government of Nepal has long received help from the Government of Japan and its donors and that this assistance will continue in the future.
