Kamlesh Agrawal: Sri Lankan Investment Urged in Nepal’s Hydropower, IT, Tourism
25th May 2025, Kathmandu
Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), recently visited Sri Lanka to promote investment opportunities in Nepal.
Kamlesh Agrawal Sri Lankan Investment
During his trip, he urged Sri Lankan business leaders and entrepreneurs to consider Nepal as a prime destination for investment, especially in hydropower, information technology, and tourism sectors.
Agrawal spoke at the Nepal-Sri Lanka Business and Trade Conference, which was organized by the Nepal Embassy in Colombo. He highlighted Nepal’s potential as a secure and rewarding place to invest. He also emphasized the favorable environment Nepal offers to foreign investors.
Nepal’s Growing Investment Appeal
Agrawal pointed out that Nepal’s current economic policies support foreign investment. He mentioned that the government has taken steps to build a business-friendly atmosphere. These measures aim to boost investor confidence and create a predictable return on investment.
“Investors can expect reliable returns in Nepal,” Agrawal said. He added that Nepal’s progress in policy reform has opened doors for private sector growth. According to him, this creates promising opportunities for businesses willing to invest.
Focus on Key Sectors: Hydropower, IT, and Tourism
During his meetings, Agrawal discussed specific sectors with great potential. Hydropower is one of Nepal’s biggest assets due to its abundant water resources. The country has vast untapped hydroelectric capacity that could attract investment.
Similarly, Agrawal highlighted the growing information technology sector. Nepal is witnessing rapid digital transformation, with increasing demand for IT services. This sector offers attractive prospects for technology-driven businesses.
Tourism is another promising area. Nepal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage draw millions of tourists each year. Agrawal said that investment in tourism infrastructure and services could boost the economy and create jobs.
Strengthening Bilateral Private Sector Collaboration
Agrawal urged both the Nepalese and Sri Lankan private sectors to work closely. He stressed the need for joint strategies to facilitate trade and investment. Collaboration can help overcome challenges and maximize benefits for both countries.
To maintain momentum, he suggested that both sides continue regular visits and dialogue. This will help build trust and develop clear plans for cooperation. Agrawal believes such efforts will deepen economic ties.
Business Conference Highlights Opportunities and Challenges
The Nepal-Sri Lanka Business and Trade Conference provided a platform for detailed discussions. Attendees examined trade opportunities between the two countries. They also addressed investment challenges and legal frameworks.
Agrawal noted that Sri Lankan entrepreneurs showed a positive attitude toward Nepal’s investment prospects. They appreciated Nepal’s policy reforms and growing market potential. This response is encouraging for future bilateral partnerships.
Nepal’s Strategic Advantage and Regional Cooperation
Agrawal also emphasized Nepal’s strategic location between India and China. He explained how Nepal can serve as a gateway for regional trade and investment. The country’s geographical position offers access to large markets and transit routes.
He sees the strengthening of Nepal-Sri Lanka relations as a step toward broader regional cooperation. Increased trade and investment ties can foster economic growth and stability. Both countries can benefit from shared knowledge and resources.
Call for Proactive Government and Business Efforts
The NCC president called on governments and businesses to actively support investment initiatives. He stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for investors. This includes transparent policies, infrastructure development, and legal certainty.
Agrawal also encouraged public-private partnerships to accelerate development projects. Such collaborations can leverage expertise and capital from both sectors. They can also improve service delivery and project sustainability.
Looking Forward: A Stronger Nepal-Sri Lanka Partnership
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce plans to continue engaging with Sri Lankan business leaders. Agrawal expressed optimism about future cooperation. He believes this partnership can unlock new economic opportunities.
By working together, Nepal and Sri Lanka can overcome challenges and enhance trade flows. Agrawal hopes to see increased joint ventures and investment projects soon. He said, “Stronger ties will benefit both our economies and people.”
Conclusion
Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal’s visit to Sri Lanka marked an important step in boosting Nepal’s international investment profile. His message was clear: Nepal offers secure, profitable opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
With a focus on key growth sectors and bilateral collaboration, Nepal is ready to welcome new investors. Both governments and the private sector must work hand in hand to realize this potential. The path ahead looks promising for stronger Nepal-Sri Lanka economic ties.
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