KATHMANDU, December 22: Chancellor of the University of Nepal (UoN) Dr Bishnu Prasad Lohani has said that policy uncertainty, fragmented regulations, overlapping authorities, excessive number of agencies, weak accountability and poor contract enforcement are the six major bottlenecks discouraging investment in Nepal.
Addressing the 31st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) as the keynote speaker, Dr Lohani urged the government to shift its role from a “gatekeeper to a partner” for investors. Speaking on “Strengthening the Ecosystem for Scaling Indian Investment in Nepal,” he stressed that investment thrives on ecosystems, not isolated approvals.
“Regarding insurance incentives and bilateral to sub-regional cooperation, Nepal must build complete investment ecosystems,” said the former Asian Development Bank (ADB) vice president, warning that unpredictability would cause investors to bypass Nepal. He emphasized policy certainty, speed and reliability as essential to attracting long-term capital and urged NICCI to provide structured feedback to the government.
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The AGM also featured a panel discussion on Private Sector Collaboration in Investment and Cross-Border Power Trading, moderated by engineer Lalkrishna KC. Panelists highlighted growing opportunities for Nepali private sector participation in regional power trade.
Arunachal Pradesh Power Corporation Managing Director Neha Aggarwal shared India’s experience in intra- and cross-border power trading, while Electricity Regulatory Commission Chair Dr Ram Prasad Dhital outlined regulatory provisions and recent legal developments. Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya welcomed private sector involvement in power trading.
Indian Embassy First Secretary (Commerce) Suman Shekhar underlined India’s growing investment, particularly in hydropower, and invited Nepali power producers to participate in India Energy Week in January. Former Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said Nepal must identify its market and incubate a new generation of private players.
Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal, inaugurating the event, urged the private sector to better understand market dynamics and said NICCI could serve as a bridge between Nepali and Indian investors. He also awarded Certificates of Appreciation to top tax-paying NICCI members, including Bhotekoshi Hydropower, Soaltee Hotel, Unilever Nepal and Dabur Nepal.
The minister also launched a baseline survey on Nepal’s Fruit Candy (Titaura) Production, highlighting export potential and women-led MSMEs.
Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Anil Sinha noted rising foreign direct investment in several sectors. NICCI President Sunil KC reviewed the chamber’s annual activities, while leaders of FNCCI, CNI and NCC emphasized NICCI’s role in strengthening Nepal–India economic ties.
NICCI Vice President Kunal Kayal delivered the vote of thanks.
