Nepal Urges U.S. Investors to Hydropower, IT at California Forum

A “Nepal Trade and Investment Opportunity” program was held in California to strengthen trade and investment cooperation between Nepal and the U.S.

Organized jointly by the Nepali Embassy in Washington, D.C., the Nepali Consulate General in San Francisco and the Honorary Consulate General in San Diego, the event highlighted new possibilities for expanding Nepal-U.S. economic ties, organizers said.

Discussions focused on Nepal’s evolving political landscape, efforts to create an investment-friendly environment and positioning the country as an attractive destination for international investors, said Rishi Puna Khar Dhakal, honorary consul general for Nepal in San Diego. Increasing foreign direct investment in Nepal was a key priority, he added.

Charge d’Affaires Sharadraj Aran of the Nepali Embassy in Washington led the program. Consul General Laxman Khanal of San Francisco and Dhakal actively participated. The Nepali delegation held detailed talks with U.S. federal representatives and economic officials on Nepal’s economic development, trade expansion and investment partnerships.

U.S. participants included Reps. Leticia Arias, Christopher Vilkens and William Powels, representatives from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp. and officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The meeting emphasized bilateral trade growth, promoting new investment opportunities and building long-term economic partnerships.

Presentations covered investment potential in Nepal’s hydropower, information technology, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure sectors. Both sides expressed optimism about making future cooperation more institutionalized and results-oriented.

The dialogue, centered on expanding exports of Nepali products and opportunities for U.S. investors in Nepal, is expected to deepen economic relations. An interactive session at the program’s close addressed questions from business leaders and community members, which organizers said will help enhance diplomatic services and business collaboration moving forward.