Nepal and Qatar Discuss Economic Cooperation and Tourism

Kathmandu: Nepal and Qatar have held discussions regarding overall economic development, tourism promotion, and mutual cooperation. On Monday, a meeting took place between the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Anil Kumar Sinha, and the Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal, His Excellency Mishal bin Mohammed Ali Al Ansari. 

The meeting also included Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Mohamed Ahmed M.A. Al-Obaidli, a board member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and representatives from Qatar Airways.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on strengthening cooperation in economic development, tourism promotion, expanding flight services, and the civil aviation sector between Nepal and Qatar. 

Specifically, the talks focused on increasing the number of direct flights between the two countries, adding new destinations, and exploring possibilities for cooperation between Nepal Airlines and Qatar Airways.

Minister Sinha mentioned that active participation from international airlines is necessary to operate Pokhara International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport at full capacity, noting that Qatar Airways could play a significant role. He also shared that the government is focusing on policy reforms and facilitation to expand tourism, investment, and trade in Nepal.

FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal stated that there is great potential for expansion in tourism, investment, aviation, hotels, and infrastructure between Nepal and Qatar. He added that there are attractive opportunities for Qatari investors in Nepal's hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and service sectors.

Mohamed Ahmed M.A. Al-Obaidli, board member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed the Qatari private sector's interest in long-term economic cooperation with Nepal. He shared his belief that cooperation in aviation and tourism would further strengthen trade and people-to-people relations between the two nations.

The meeting is expected to take Nepal-Qatar relations to new heights and support economic development through tourism promotion and expanded air connectivity. The Qatari delegation arrived in Nepal yesterday at the invitation of the FNCCI to attend the meeting of the Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC).