IBN working to change country’s negative image abroad: Gyewali

Kathmandu, Nov. 23

Chief Executive Officer of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) Sushil Gyewali has said that efforts are being made to improve the negative international image created by the vandalism and damage of business as well as public and private property during the Gen Z protests in September this year.

“The recent events have left investors in a state of ‘wait and see’. So the IBN is actively working to restore investor confidence and revive the investment climate,” he said at a meeting with the Nepal Association of Financial Journalists (NAFIJ) on Sunday.

Despite the crisis, the IBN has continued its work without interruption, which has sent a positive message to investors, he said, and added, “We have made efforts to bring all stakeholders together with the resolve that 'we must rise' and create an atmosphere of trust.”

To minimise the impacts, the board has already held high-level discussions with the private sector, government bodies, and investors.

Despite the challenges, there has been an encouraging increase in investment approvals. In the past, around Rs. 100 billion in investments were approved annually, but in the last fiscal year 2024/25, the Board approved investments amounting to Rs. 256 billion. Gyewali mentioned that an ambitious target of Rs. 700 billion has been set for the current fiscal year.

He also noted that there are currently investment projects worth Rs. 1.6 trillion in the pipeline, which has further boosted optimism. These include future-oriented projects like Information Technology parks, hydrogen energy, and agriculture-solar projects, in addition to traditional hydropower projects.

So far, the board has approved billions of rupees in investments across sectors such as hydropower, cement, tourism, infrastructure, and information technology. The board has also changed its operational approach to ensure a continuous flow of investments.

According to Gyewali, in the past, the government would determine projects and then seek investors, but now the board is encouraging investors to come forward with innovative ideas and proposals. "We have been asking investors, 'What do you want?' This has resulted in projects that align with market demand and the expertise of investors," he added.

He pointed out that the biggest concerns of foreign investors are political instability and policy changes. To address these, the board has amended laws to provide guarantees for the protection of investments.

The board has introduced laws and policies to protect projects from the negative impact of government changes or new laws after an agreement is signed with investors. Gyewali also mentioned that the board's structure, chaired by the Prime Minister, has made it easier to fast-track decisions for large projects and coordinate between various ministries.

The board has worked to reduce bureaucratic red tape and create an environment where investors can receive services under one roof.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 November 2025.