Press Release on Nepal-UK Economic Partnership Forum 2026

Press Release

The Embassy organized the Nepal - UK Economic Partnership Forum 2026 under the theme of “Advancing Nepal - UK Economic Partnership through Trade, Investment, Technology and Outsourcing” at its premises yesterday.

The Forum’s major highlight was the signing of two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): one between the West London Chamber of Commerce (WLCC) of the UK and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and another between WLCC and Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI). CEO of WLCC, Mr. Alan Rides, and Deputy Chair Dr Renu Raj from WLCC signed the MOU on behalf of WLCC, whereas Mr. Prithvi Raj Pandey, President of CNI, and Dr. Roshan Rathi, President of NBCCI, signed the MoU virtually from Kathmandu. The agreements aim to strengthen bilateral commercial engagement through enhanced cooperation, business linkages, and mutual promotion of trade and investment opportunities. The Embassy initiated these partnerships to bring together the private sectors of the two countries in a forum so that business communities could explore the avenues of collaboration and partnership in areas of mutual interest. An executive committee from WLCC visited the Embassy for the signing ceremony, whereas presidents of CNI and NBCCI dialed in from Kathmandu.

Welcoming the participants, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Mr. Bipin Duwadi highlighted the growing momentum in Nepal–UK economic relations in the last few years and encouraged the business community to scale up their business activities and investment in Nepal. Highlighting the progress made at the bilateral level, including the ongoing discussions on the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, he expressed confidence that signing the MoUs would unlock business and investment opportunities in both countries.

Hon Shisir Khanal, Minister for Foreign Affairs, also sent a message to the Conference. In his message, Hon Foreign Minister expressed the commitment of the Government of Nepal to accelerating economic growth by promoting international trade, attracting foreign direct investment, expanding tourism, facilitating technology transfer, creating employment opportunities, and integrating Nepal more closely with global value chains. He also expressed readiness to welcome British investment in Nepal’s priority sectors, including hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, information technology, and digital services.

In her address, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nepal, Hon Alex Baker MP, stated that the UK must not only see Nepal through the lens of a recipient of development assistance but as a partner in growth. She further said the relations between the two countries must not be rooted only in history, however proud the history is. She emphasized that the relationship must be rooted in practical cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology and enterprise.

British Ambassador to Nepal, HE Rob Fenn, spoke on a range of issues including investment, expertise and partnership, and how the two governments can work together in the areas of sustainable finance, digitalization and local leadership, trade enhancement, and people-to-people relations, among others. He also stressed that economic activities need to be prioritized.

Delivering his keynote address virtually, Hon. Dr. Pukar Malla, Member of the National Planning Commission of Nepal, presented Nepal's vision for sustainable economic growth, investment promotion and global partnerships, highlighting the Government's reform agenda and investment priorities. He mainly highlighted the central vision of the Nepal government as a “multiplier nation” – both an economic multiplier and governance multiplier - for the next phase of Nepal’s development, and discussed the ways and means to turn the national ambition into an implementable system, measurable results and credible partnerships.

A comprehensive presentation was made from the Office of the Board of Investment, Nepal. Senior officials from British International Investment, UK Export Finance, the Department for Business and Trade, and representatives from other UK government offices were present at the Conference.

The Forum featured strategic dialogues on trade, investment and the digital economy, focusing on market access, investment facilitation, artificial intelligence, technology, innovation, outsourcing, professional services and business collaboration. Participants emphasized the importance of policy clarity, institutional partnerships, skills development and continued engagement between governments and the private sector, investors and professional organizations to unlock greater economic opportunities and build resilient and mutually beneficial economic partnerships.

The Forum brought together more than 150 policymakers, parliamentarians, business leaders, investors, development finance and technology experts, representatives of chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, and members of the Nepali diaspora to discuss opportunities for strengthening economic cooperation between Nepal and the United Kingdom.

On the eve of the Forum, the Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce (BNCC) hosted a dinner reception at the Embassy, bringing together business leaders and investors.   

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bipin Duwadi thanked all speakers, panellists, participants, and the facilitators for their valuable contributions. He reaffirmed the Embassy's commitment to strengthening Nepal–UK economic relations through continued dialogue, collaboration, and private sector engagement.

The Forum concluded with a networking reception and business-to-business meetings aimed at fostering new partnerships and identifying concrete opportunities for future collaboration. The event was emceed by Mr. Sanjog Rai, Second Secretary at the Embassy.

Embassy of Nepal, London
4 July 2026

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