President Poudel Urges Japanese Investors to Invest in Nepal’s Priority Sectors

President Ram Chandra Poudel has urged Japanese investors to invest in Nepal’s priority sectors, including manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, services, information technology, mining and agriculture.

President Poudel made the appeal while addressing a special event in Tokyo on Monday, organized to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan, during his official visit to Japan.

According to the President’s press adviser Kiran Pokharel, President Poudel said that with major political issues resolved, Nepal’s priority is now focused on achieving rapid socio-economic development, progress and prosperity for its people.

“The Government of Nepal has carried out wide-ranging legal, procedural and institutional reforms to facilitate trade, attract foreign investment and promote innovation. We would like to invite as many Japanese investors as possible to invest in Nepal’s priority sectors such as manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, services, information technology, mining and agriculture,” President Poudel said.

He expressed confidence that the programme would help elevate bilateral relations to a new level and pave the way for deeper and more fruitful cooperation in the coming years. The President noted that Nepal–Japan relations extend beyond political, economic, social and cultural spheres to include strong people-to-people ties, which have been further strengthened through high-level exchanges and growing cooperation over time.

Highlighting shared cultural and spiritual values rooted in the teachings of Lord Buddha, President Poudel said Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, serves as a strong bridge between the peoples of Nepal and Japan. He expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support for the development of Lumbini as a centre of world peace.

President Poudel said Japan has remained one of Nepal’s key partners in development assistance, trade, investment and tourism. He noted that Nepal is set to graduate from the least developed country category by the end of this year, with the goal of becoming a middle-income country by 2030 as another major milestone.

“We are therefore focusing on attracting more foreign investment in national priority sectors, expanding trade, diversifying connectivity, promoting tourism and acquiring advanced technology,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction that Nepal remains a preferred tourist destination for Japanese visitors, President Poudel said many Japanese tourists are drawn by adventure tourism and Nepal’s rich natural and cultural diversity. He added that Nepal seeks to further expand cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector.

The President also thanked Japan for being a preferred destination for Nepali youth and students and for ensuring the safety and security of Nepali nationals living there.

“We share a long history of cordial friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956, Nepal and Japan have enjoyed warm and friendly relations based on mutual respect, trust, understanding and cooperation,” President Poudel said.

On the occasion, Japanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hori Iwao said such high-level visits play an important role in further deepening relations between the two countries. -- RSS