IBN, NICCI eye Indian FDI

 

Kathmandu, Jan. 23

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and the Investment Board, Nepal (IBN) have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) with an aim of strengthening investment flows from India into Nepal’s growing economy.

The group includes Joint Secretary Hem Raj Tamang, PPP Project Consultant Mukta Pandey, and Under Secretary Manoj Regmi from the IBN, and Vice-President Kunal Kayal, Member Abhiman Bararia, and Director Marshal Rathor from NICCI. “Their combined experience will guide planning and implementation of strategic initiatives designed to attract and facilitate investment,” said Sunil KC, President of NICCI.

India remains Nepal’s largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), accounting for over 32 per cent of total FDI stock in the country, according to the latest data from Nepal Rastra Bank’s Survey Report on Foreign Direct Investment 2023-24.

“This underscores the deep and enduring investment ties between Nepal and India and highlights the significant role Indian investors play in Nepal’s economic development,” said KC and added, “The newly formed JWG will serve as a collaborative platform to encourage increased Indian participation across key sectors of Nepal’s economy."

According to NICCI, the meeting of the two organisations held on May 21 last year provided a forum for substantive dialogue on future collaboration opportunities.

Participants explored a range of activities, including investment seminars, targeted meetings, and investor roadshows across India that will showcase Nepal’s investment potential and promote bilateral economic cooperation.

“The formation of this JWG marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to deepen economic engagement between Nepal and India,” KC said, adding that the partnership will help identify concrete avenues for investment and build stronger institutional linkages with Indian business communities.

NICCI and IBN initiative includes the investment roadshow in different cities of India in the future, and sector-wise private sector-to- private sector joint project planning.

The JWC will also prioritise initiatives that support infrastructure development, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and other priority sectors, where Nepal offers attractive returns and strategic opportunities for Indian investors.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 January 2026.