Nepal-Zimbabwe Bilateral Trade & Investment Talks: NCC & Zimbabwe Embassy Discuss Economic Cooperation
3rd June 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) and the Embassy of Zimbabwe held a significant meeting on Tuesday. The two sides discussed ways to boost bilateral trade, promote investment, and strengthen cooperation in climate action and tourism. The discussion took place at the NCC office in Jamal, Kathmandu.
Nepal-Zimbabwe Trade Investment Talks
President Agrawal Highlights 40 Years Of Diplomatic Ties
NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal welcomed Zimbabwean Ambassador to Nepal, H.E. Stella Nkomo. He noted that Nepal and Zimbabwe are close to completing 40 years of diplomatic relations.
President Agrawal emphasized that both countries have historically collaborated on global platforms. He specifically mentioned cooperation on issues like non-alignment and climate change. Now, he believes it is time to enhance this relationship economically.
Call For Resident Embassies To Boost Economic Cooperation
During the meeting, President Agrawal proposed opening resident embassies in both countries. He stressed that such a move would strengthen economic ties, simplify diplomatic communication, and encourage investment.
He also highlighted how having embassies in both countries could help implement joint initiatives in trade, climate response, and tourism.
Nepal Offers Secure Investment Climate
President Agrawal pointed out that Nepal offers a favorable investment environment. He said returns on investment are secure and promising. He encouraged Zimbabwean investors to explore sectors like hydropower, tourism, and infrastructure.
He further mentioned Nepal’s recent credit rating upgrade. “Nepal received a BB-minus sovereign credit rating, the second-highest in South Asia after India,” he said. This rating, according to him, reflects Nepal’s growing economic credibility in the global market.
Proposals For Private Sector Engagement
President Agrawal called for stronger private sector collaboration between the two countries. He suggested organizing Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings to identify common business interests. According to him, such interactions could open the door for joint ventures and investment partnerships.
He also shared that Nepal’s new budget includes flexible policies. These, he said, make it easier for foreign investors to enter and operate in Nepal. Agrawal encouraged Ambassador Nkomo to convey these opportunities to Zimbabwean businesses.
Ambassador Nkomo Shows Strong Interest
In response, Ambassador Stella Nkomo expressed strong interest in strengthening ties with Nepal. She acknowledged the potential for economic partnership and said she would push for opening a resident Zimbabwean embassy in Nepal.
“I take this issue seriously and will follow up with my government,” she said.
Opportunities In Hydropower And Tourism
Ambassador Nkomo praised Nepal’s natural beauty, particularly Mount Everest. She called it a powerful attraction for tourism investment. She also highlighted Nepal’s hydropower sector as an area with huge potential for Zimbabwean investors.
“I see energy and tourism as key areas where we can work together,” she said. She promised to approach Zimbabwe’s private sector to explore these opportunities.
Commitment To Economic Collaboration
Both sides agreed on the need for long-term economic cooperation. They discussed ideas to strengthen trade links and increase foreign direct investment (FDI). They also talked about the importance of joint action on climate change and sustainable development.
President Agrawal and Ambassador Nkomo concluded the meeting on a positive note. They pledged to take practical steps toward realizing the discussed goals.
Next Steps: Diplomacy Meets Enterprise
As a next step, both parties plan to facilitate more B2B meetings between Nepali and Zimbabwean companies. These meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for concrete investment and trade agreements.
President Agrawal reiterated that diplomacy should support enterprise. “Our diplomatic goodwill must translate into business partnerships,” he said.
Ambassador Nkomo agreed. She said her mission would be to help turn these plans into action through active engagement with both governments and the private sector.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision For Prosperity
The meeting between the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and the Zimbabwean Ambassador marks a new chapter in bilateral relations. Both countries are now looking beyond diplomatic ties and aiming for deeper economic cooperation.
By aligning on shared goals — from energy to tourism, and from climate to trade — Nepal and Zimbabwe are setting the stage for a productive partnership. The discussions on Tuesday reflected mutual trust and a shared vision for a prosperous future.
For more: Nepal-Zimbabwe Trade Investment Talks
