Synopsis: The UAE expresses interest in investing in Nepal's railway infrastructure, agribusiness, and green IT sectors, while both countries discuss expanding trade, strengthening investment cooperation, and enhancing agricultural exports through technical support.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed strong interest in expanding investments in Nepal by exploring opportunities in railway infrastructure, agribusiness, and green information technology (IT), signalling a renewed push to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. The proposed investments are expected to be driven by private sector participation, subject to the establishment of an investment-friendly regulatory framework and streamlined administrative procedures in Nepal.
The investment proposals were discussed during a bilateral meeting between UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi and Nepal's Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav. During the talks, the Emirati delegation outlined its interest in financing railway infrastructure projects, supporting large-scale agricultural ventures, and establishing a Green Data Center to leverage Nepal's growing information technology sector and promote sustainable digital infrastructure.
Agriculture emerged as another key area of cooperation, with the UAE proposing financial assistance and technical support to strengthen Nepal's food export ecosystem. The two sides discussed establishing food quality testing and certification facilities to help Nepali fruits and vegetables meet international standards and improve access to UAE markets. The initiative is expected to enhance Nepal's agricultural exports while strengthening food trade between the two countries.
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Welcoming the UAE's investment interest, Minister Yadav highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral economic engagement and thanked the Emirati government for the recent launch of FlyDubai operations from Pokhara International Airport, which is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate trade and tourism. She also proposed expanding the Nepal-UAE Business Forum to encourage greater collaboration between businesses and investors from both countries.
Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE's confidence in Nepal's new government and expressed readiness to deploy investment once administrative reforms and investment procedures are further streamlined. He emphasised the UAE's commitment to supporting Nepal's economic development through long-term partnerships in infrastructure, technology, agriculture, and trade. The discussions reflect the growing momentum in Nepal-UAE economic relations and underline both countries' efforts to create new avenues for investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development through closer bilateral cooperation.