Nepal–UK Economic Partnership Forum 2026 Concludes with Key Agreements to Boost Bilateral Trade and Investment

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

A major highlight of the Forum was the signing of two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): one between the West London Chamber of Commerce (WLCC) and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), and another between WLCC and the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NBCCI). The MoUs were signed on behalf of WLCC by its CEO Mr. Alan Rides and Deputy Chair Dr. Renu Raj, while Mr. Prithvi Raj Pandey, President of CNI, and Dr. Roshan Rathi, President of NBCCI, signed virtually from Kathmandu.

These agreements aim to strengthen bilateral commercial engagement through enhanced cooperation, business linkages, and the mutual promotion of trade and investment opportunities. The Embassy facilitated these partnerships to bring together the private sectors of both countries and to explore avenues of collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Welcoming the participants, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Mr. Bipin Duwadi highlighted the growing momentum in Nepal–UK economic relations in recent years and encouraged the business community to scale up investment and business activities in Nepal. Referring to ongoing bilateral initiatives, including discussions on the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, he expressed confidence that the MoUs would unlock new business and investment opportunities in both countries.

Hon. Shisir Khanal, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, conveyed a message to the Forum reaffirming the Government of Nepal’s commitment to accelerating economic growth through the promotion of international trade, attraction of foreign direct investment, expansion of tourism, facilitation of technology transfer, and creation of employment opportunities. He also emphasized Nepal’s readiness to welcome British investment in priority sectors such as hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, information technology, and digital services.

In her remarks, Hon. Alex Baker MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Nepal, stressed that the UK should view Nepal not only as a recipient of development assistance but as a partner in growth. She underscored the importance of building relations based on practical cooperation in trade, investment, education, technology, and enterprise.

British Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Rob Fenn, highlighted opportunities for collaboration in investment, expertise, and partnerships. He emphasized the need for joint efforts in areas such as sustainable finance, digitalization, trade enhancement, local leadership, and strengthening people-to-people ties, while noting the importance of prioritizing economic engagement.

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. He introduced the concept of Nepal as a “multiplier nation” and outlined pathways to translate this vision into actionable systems, measurable outcomes, and credible partnerships.

A comprehensive presentation was also delivered by the Office of the Investment Board Nepal. The Forum was attended by senior officials from British International Investment, UK Export Finance, the UK Department for Business and Trade, and other government bodies.

The Forum featured strategic dialogues on trade, investment, and the digital economy, covering areas such as market access, investment facilitation, artificial intelligence, innovation, outsourcing, professional services, and business collaboration. Participants emphasized the importance of policy clarity, institutional partnerships, skills development, and sustained engagement between governments, the private sector, investors, and professional organizations.

The event brought together more than 150 policymakers, parliamentarians, business leaders, investors, development finance experts, technology specialists, chamber representatives, entrepreneurs, and members of the Nepali diaspora.

On the eve of the Forum, the Britain Nepal Chamber of Commerce (BNCC) hosted a dinner reception at the Embassy, providing an opportunity for business leaders and investors to network and engage.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Bipin Duwadi thanked all speakers, panellists, participants, and facilitators for their valuable contributions and 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 (B2B) 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.