Kathmandu. President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal and President of Qatar Chamber of Commerce sheikh Khalifa bin Jasim bin Mohammed Al Thani held a meeting in Qatar today.

During the meeting, discussions were held on strengthening economic and business relations between Nepal and Qatar and mutual cooperation. On the occasion, it was agreed to hold the upcoming meeting of Nepal-Qatar Joint Trade Council (JBC) in Kathmandu soon, said FNJ President Dhakal.

Stating that The Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) has become an important mechanism for trade and investment promotion between the two countries, he stressed the need for finalising the member list at the earliest to further strengthen it.

Appreciating Qatar’s support in the establishment of Nepal-Qatar Joint Trade Council (JBC), Dhakal urged qatari investors to invest in Nepal as there are plenty of investment opportunities in Nepal.

“There are opportunities for investment in many sectors in Nepal. I urge Qatari investors to invest in hydropower, solar energy, information technology, fintech and agro-based industries.” Dhakal stressed on the digital transformation being undertaken by the Federation and said that cooperation with Qatar Chamber would be important in this sector.

He proposed sharing of knowledge on AI-based business facilitation tools, blockchain-based business paperization system, and digital platforms for business matching and investment promotion. “Your support from Qatar’s experience in adopting advanced digital technology will go a long way in making the Federation a modern, technology-friendly institution,” he said.

On the occasion, Qatar Chamber President Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani said the Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) mechanism would be finalized and made more effective. Likewise, he expressed his commitment to take initiatives to strengthen economic and business relations with Nepal and continue such meetings and discussions, dhakal said.

FNCCI President Dhakal also invited the Qatar Chamber and the Qatari business community to participate in the Nepal International Economic Summit (NIES) to be held in Kathmandu in February 2026. Preparations have been made to organize a special “Qatar-centric investment session” at the conference with an aim to further strengthen economic relations between the two countries, he said.

“Nepal-Qatar partnership can be taken to a new height through investment, innovation and collaboration. Nepali agricultural products such as tea, coffee, cardamom, herbs and processed food items have great potential to increase access to the Qatari market,” he said. Dhakal proposed to collaborate on certification, standardization and joint branding initiatives to meet international standards for these products.