KATHMANDU, May 20: The Nepal Business Summit 2026 concluded in Kathmandu on Monday, bringing together policymakers, business leaders, financial institutions and development partners under a shared agenda of transforming Nepal’s economy through entrepreneurship, investment and innovation.
The summit was jointly organised by the Nepal Business Institute, the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN), and the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal (FEEN).
Opening the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dol Prasad Aryal urged collective action from the government, private sector and civil society to strengthen Nepal’s economic foundation and accelerate development efforts.
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Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle, delivering the keynote address, said the current government has a clear mandate for a “paradigm shift” in economic policy and governance. He stressed reforms aimed at improving equality of opportunity, strengthening energy infrastructure and expanding digital connectivity, while assuring investors that Nepal remains “investment-friendly and private-sector friendly.”
Representing NICCI, officiating president Kunal Kayal highlighted the importance of deeper collaboration between Nepal and India across trade, energy, infrastructure and financial integration, noting that the chamber continues to facilitate cross-border partnerships and policy dialogue.
Vice-chair of the National Planning Commission Dr Gunakar Bhatta pointed to both global challenges and opportunities, citing geopolitical tensions and the rise of artificial intelligence. He also noted that Nepal’s foreign direct investment inflows and dividend outflows reflect both investor returns and continued investment potential.
Former Ambassador of Nepal to India Dr Shankar Sharma underscored the importance of Nepal–India economic integration, stating that regional supply chain linkages could significantly boost Nepal’s trade and industrial growth as the country targets higher economic expansion.
At the closing session, Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal reiterated the government’s commitment to economic diplomacy, structural reforms and policy predictability to create a more investment-friendly environment.
The summit concluded with calls for stronger public-private coordination and sustained efforts to attract investment and modernise Nepal’s economic structure.
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