Nepali and Vietnamese business representatives held talks in Hanoi to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Vietnam. The discussions focused on ways to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting, held on Thursday with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), saw Nepali business leaders present investment opportunities in tourism, hydropower, and agriculture, while urging increased Vietnamese investment in Nepal.
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), encouraged Vietnamese investors to deepen economic ties. “There is huge potential for economic cooperation between the two countries. I urge Vietnamese investors to invest in Nepal and would like to inform you that Nepal also has significant export potential,” he said. He added that products such as handicrafts, tea, coffee, and herbs have good market prospects in Vietnam and invited investment in those sectors as well.
Dhakal noted that the two economies could be complementary, pointing out that Nepal could be a good market for Vietnamese agricultural goods, seafood, and electronics. He also highlighted that Nepal’s environment for foreign direct investment is improving, with more investment-friendly laws, reforms in licensing, customs and taxation, and greater focus on the security of foreign investment.
He further said that regional investment in Nepal’s tourism sector—hotels, resorts, cable cars, adventure tourism, and wellness centers—is growing, and invited the Vietnamese delegation to attend FNCCI’s upcoming annual general assembly to observe Nepal’s business climate firsthand.
During the meeting, Nguyen Quang Vinh, Vice Executive President of VCCI, expressed Vietnam’s interest in strengthening its economic cooperation with Nepal. “There is not much cooperation between the two countries in trade and investment, although there is great potential. Our cooperation will continue in the coming days,” he said.
Similarly, Dhan Bahadur Oli, Nepal’s ambassador to Thailand and Vietnam, urged for increased investment in Nepal and emphasized that both countries should fully utilize the available opportunities in trade and investment as they celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. He added that growing global economic challenges make strengthened cooperation even more essential.
Officials and executive committee members of FNCCI were also present at the event.
