Kathmandu. IP President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), Rajendra Malla, has urged Chinese investors to collaborate with Nepal in the areas of investment, technology and tourism.
During a meeting with Fan Jiaobo, President of the Chinese General Association of Industries and Commerce, Malla proposed strengthening Nepal–China economic ties through result-oriented cooperation.
Malla emphasized that enhancing Nepal’s trade relations with China requires collaboration in agriculture, infrastructure development, technology-friendly initiatives and tourism. He stated that both countries could benefit through long-term business partnerships by bringing Chinese investment and technology into Nepal.
“If we can develop infrastructure and highway connectivity from China to the Indian border, a trilateral trade benefit can be achieved,” Malla said, highlighting Nepal’s potential to serve as a commercial bridge between China and India.
He further noted that investment in Nepal’s hotel infrastructure could significantly attract Chinese tourists. “China has around 100 million Buddhist followers. If at least 1% nearly one million could be brought to Nepal, it would substantially contribute to our economy,” Malla added.
Pointing to Nepal’s abundant mineral resources such as gold, copper and uranium, Malla said Chinese investment could support exploration, processing and export of these minerals.
Expressing concern over Nepal’s high trade deficit with China, he said, “Nepal imports goods worth USD 2.53 billion from China, while Nepal’s exports to China amount to only USD 15.49 million.” He stressed the need for joint initiatives in productive industries, technology transfer and export-oriented investments to reduce this imbalance.
Malla also noted that joint investment in the information technology sector could enable re-export opportunities. He affirmed the Nepal Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to policy clarity and ensuring returns for investors.
In the meeting, President Fan Jiaobo expressed his commitment to promoting Nepal’s exports and to advancing cooperation in tourism, hotel investments and trade. He also stated that initiatives for joint investments in Nepal’s agriculture and tourism sectors would be taken forward positively.
