Nepal and Qatar have held discussions focused on strengthening overall economic development, promoting tourism, and enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal H.E. Mishaal Bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Board Member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mohd Ahmed M.A. Al Obaidli, along with representatives from Qatar Airways.
During the talks, both parties discussed ways to enhance Nepal-Qatar economic cooperation, boost tourism, improve air connectivity, and strengthen collaboration in the civil aviation industry.
Specific attention was given to the growth in direct flights between Nepal and Qatar, the creation of new destinations, and the potential for cooperation between Nepal Airlines Corporation and Qatar Airways.
Minister Sinha emphasised that international airlines must be actively involved in ensuring the full capacity operation of Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport. He noted that Qatar Airways may be a major stakeholder in this regard. He added that the Government of Nepal is prioritising policy reforms and facilitation measures to increase tourism, investment and trade.
FNCCI President Dhakal stressed the strong prospects for collaboration between Nepal and Qatar in tourism, investment, airlines, hospitality, and infrastructure development. He also noted that Nepal offers good investment prospects for Qatari investors, particularly in hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and the service sector.
On the same note, Qatari Chamber of Commerce and Industries Board Member Al Obaidli indicated that the Qatari private sector is interested in long-term economic cooperation with Nepal. He also pointed out that increased collaboration in the aviation and tourism sectors will consolidate trade relations and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
It is hoped that the meeting will improve Nepal-Qatar relations, enhance tourism, and support economic development by offering wider air connectivity.
The Qatari delegation is in Nepal because the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry invited it to attend the Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) meeting.
