AmCham Nepal to work on attracting US investment in hydropower

Kathmandu, Dec. 4

The American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal) has launched an initiative to attract up to US$10 billion in US private-sector investment in Nepal’s hydropower sector.

It held discussions with the representatives from the US Department of State, US Department of Commerce, US Commercial Service, and the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on December 1.

AmCham Nepal presented renewable energy potential, cool climate, and abundant water resources as strategic assets for hosting AI data centres and high-performance computing facilities. With more than 92 per cent of Nepal’s hydropower potential still untapped, and full foreign investment permitted in the sector, Nepal is positioning itself as a competitive destination for clean-energy development, it said.

"The meetings focused on expanding two-way trade, strengthening commercial diplomacy, and aligning both nations’ economic priorities in energy, ICT, and emerging technologies including manufacturing and service industries," AmCham Nepal said in a statement on Thursday.

According to it, US counterparts expressed strong interest in Nepal’s potential to support regional energy security while enabling long-term, sustainable investments.

AmCham Nepal and US Chamber of Commerce agreed to host a US-Nepal hydropower investment webinar, conduct a multi-city US investors roadshow and jointly prepare a portfolio of bankable energy projects for American investors.

AmCham Nepal’s Founding Chair Ajit Shah emphasised that both governments must continue working together to address trade barriers, harmonise regulatory practices, and unlock new avenues for two-way trade.

During the meetings, US officials highlighted momentum in Nepal’s reform efforts. Patrick Pitt, Director in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said that the reforms reflect a strong commitment to improving the ease of doing business and encouraging greater US private-sector engagement.

"Predictable regulations, transparent laws, and consistent implementation are critical for attracting American investors, and Nepal is becoming an increasingly important market for such opportunities. We look forward to seeing Nepal continue creating conditions where US businesses can succeed and contribute to shared prosperity," he said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 December 2025.