London, July 5: The Embassy of Nepal in London hosted the Nepal UK Economic Partnership Forum 2026 on Friday under the theme "Promoting Nepal UK Economic Partnership through Trade, Investment, Technology and Outsourcing."
The forum concluded with the signing of two separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs). The first was signed between the West London Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), while the second was between the West London Chamber of Commerce and the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI).
The agreements were signed on behalf of the West London Chamber of Commerce by Chief Executive Officer Alan Rides and Deputy Chair Dr Renu Raj. CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey and NBCCI President Dr Roshan Rathi signed the agreements virtually from Kathmandu.
The MoUs aim to strengthen bilateral trade relations, promote trade and investment opportunities, and expand cooperation and business networks between the private sectors of Nepal and the United Kingdom. The embassy said the initiative was launched to bring the private sectors of both countries onto a common platform to identify areas of mutual cooperation.
There is a plan to upgrade Nepal to a developing nation by 2026...
Welcoming participants, Nepal's Chargé d'Affaires to the United Kingdom, Bipin Duwadi, highlighted the growing momentum in Nepal UK economic relations in recent years and invited the British business community to expand investments in Nepal. He also said discussions are underway on a double taxation avoidance agreement and expressed confidence that the MoUs would open new avenues for trade and investment.
In a video message, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting international trade, attracting foreign investment, expanding tourism, facilitating technology transfer, creating jobs and integrating Nepal more strongly into global value chains.
He said British investment is particularly welcome in priority sectors such as hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, information technology and digital services.
Alex Baker, Chair of the British All Party Parliamentary Group for Nepal and a Member of Parliament, said Nepal should be viewed not only as a recipient of development assistance but also as an economic partner. She stressed that bilateral relations should move beyond historical ties and focus on practical cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology and entrepreneurship.
British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn discussed opportunities for investment, expertise and partnership, and emphasized closer cooperation between the two governments in sustainable finance, digitalisation, local leadership, trade promotion and people to people ties. He also underlined the need to place greater emphasis on economic engagement.
National Planning Commission member Dr Pukar Malla addressed the forum virtually, outlining Nepal's vision for sustainable economic growth, investment promotion and global partnerships. Referring to the concept of a "Multiplier Nation," he said Nepal's development requires implementable systems, measurable outcomes and trusted partnerships.
The forum also featured a detailed presentation by the Investment Board Nepal. Senior officials from British International Investment, UK Export Finance, the Department for Business and Trade and other government agencies attended the event.
Participants held strategic discussions on trade, investment and the digital economy, covering market access, investment facilitation, artificial intelligence, technological innovation, outsourcing, professional services and business collaboration. Speakers highlighted the need for greater policy clarity, stronger institutional cooperation, skilled workforce development and continuous dialogue between the government and the private sector.
More than 150 policymakers, parliamentarians, business leaders, investors, technology experts, chamber representatives, entrepreneurs and members of the Nepali diaspora participated in the forum.
On the eve of the event, the Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce hosted a networking dinner at the embassy, bringing together business leaders and investors.
In his closing remarks, Chargé d'Affaires Bipin Duwadi thanked the speakers, participants and organisers, reaffirming the embassy's commitment to further strengthening Nepal UK economic relations.
The forum concluded with a networking session and business meetings, which organisers said would help identify new partnerships and future opportunities. The programme was moderated by Sanjog Rai, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Nepal.
