Kathmandu. Nepal and Qatar have discussed the issues of overall economic development, tourism promotion and exchange of assistance. Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal Mishal Bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industries Board Member Mohd Ahmed MA Alobaidli and representatives of Qatar Airways held bilateral meetings during the meeting.

On the occasion, matters relating to Nepal-Qatar economic development, tourism promotion, expansion of air services and strengthening cooperation in the civil aviation sector were discussed. The meeting focused on increasing the number of direct flights between Nepal and Qatar, adding new destinations and the possibility of collaboration between Nepal Airlines Corporation and Qatar Airways.

Stating that active participation of international airlines was essential for the operation of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport in full capacity, Minister Sinha said that the role of Qatar Airways would be significant. The government has been stressing on policy reforms and facilitation for tourism, investment and trade expansion in Nepal, he added.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, said that there was the possibility of expansion of tourism, investment, aviation, hotel and infrastructure between Nepal and Qatar. He said that hydropower, tourism, agriculture and service sectors have attractive potential in Nepal for Qatari investors.

Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board Member Mohd Ahmed MA Alobaidali said the private sector was interested in long-term economic cooperation with Nepal.

The meeting is expected to take Nepal-Qatar relations to a new height, contribute to economic development through tourism promotion and expansion of air connectivity. The delegation arrived in Kathmandu at the invitation of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) to attend a meeting of the Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC).