Minister Yadav and US Charge d’ Affaires hold meeting

लगानी न्यूज

३२ असार २०८३, बिहीबार १२:१६July 16, 2026

. KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Gauri Kumari Yadav, paid a courtesy call on US Charge d’ Affaires to Nepal, Scott Arbaum, at the latter’s office today. On the occasion, various aspects of bilateral trade, investment promotion and economic cooperation between Nepal and the US were discussed.

During the meeting, Minister Yadav highly appreciated the support the US has been extending to Nepal’s health, education and economic development since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947.TAG_OPEN_div_31 He said the Nepali diaspora in the US has further strengthened the people-to-people relations between the two countries.

Emphasis on market access and activism of trade mechanism for Nepali goods{

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Recalling that the Nepal Trade Preference Program that was initiated in 2015 ended in December 2025, Minister Yadav sought support from the US government to ensure subsidized market access for Nepali goods again.TAG_OPEN_div_28

He also stressed the need to activate the mechanism under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) signed between the two countries through regular dialogue to promote bilateral trade and investment.TAG_OPEN_div_26

Request to increase U.S. investment in five and a half years

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Stating that the government of TAG_OPEN_div_23 Nepal has been strengthening the investment-friendly environment in the country through policy and legal reforms, Minister Yadav said the government was keen to attract more US investment in the potential sectors of Nepal. He specifically urged the U.S. to invest in sectors such as hydropower and renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, agro-processing, manufacturing industries, and digital economy.

Currently TAG_OPEN_div_21, the United States of America is Nepal’s second largest export destination, accounting for woolen carpets, readymade garments, and pashmina. In the context that Nepal has been facing trade deficit in bilateral trade, Minister Yadav opined that technology transfer and strengthening partnership between private sector could bridge this gap.

Commitment to the U.S. side

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Charge d’ Affaires of the US Embassy Scott Urban, among others, has responded positively to the demands put forth by Minister Yadav including continuity of trade facilitation, investment promotion and revival of trade dialogue.TAG_OPEN_div_18