The Nepal Business Summit 2026 successfully concluded in Kathmandu on Monday, drawing together key policymakers, business leaders, financial institutions, and development partners.
Organized under the theme "Transforming Nepal's Economy through Entrepreneurship, Investment and Innovation," the high-profile event was a joint initiative of the Nepal Business Institute, the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NICCI), the Confederation of Banks and Financial Institutions Nepal (CBFIN), and the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal (FEEN). Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dol Prasad Aryal, inaugurated the event as Chief Guest, calling for collective action from all stakeholders to strengthen the national economy.
During the summit, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle delivered the keynote address, reassuring attendees that the government is fully investment- and private-sector friendly. Highlighting the administration's mandate for structural and economic policy shifts—as outlined in the RSP's 100-point Bacha Patra—Dr. Wagle emphasized that energy and digital connectivity will serve as the primary drivers of Nepal's sustainable growth.
Additionally, Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal closed the summit by reaffirming the government's commitment to economic diplomacy, policy predictability, and good governance to foster a highly conducive business environment.
The summit also addressed regional integration and investment potential. Kunal Kayal, Officiating President of NICCI, emphasized the chamber's active role in boosting cross-border trade, energy, and financial integration with India. Supporting this vision, former Nepalese Ambassador to India Dr. Shankar Sharma noted that deeper supply chain integration with India could help Nepal achieve its 7% economic growth target.
Addressing foreign investment, Dr. Gunakar Bhatta, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission, revealed that while net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows stood at NPR 60 billion over the past five years, dividend outflows reached NPR 97 billion—a statistic he noted demonstrates highly lucrative returns and a strong opportunity for prospective global investors.
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