30th June 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal–India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) have signed a significant agreement. The deal aims to enhance trade, investment, and cross-border economic cooperation between Nepal and India.
NICCI-FICCI Trade Investment Agreement
NICCI President Sunil KC and FICCI Director General Jyoti Vij signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. Both sides agreed to collaborate on business delegation exchange, non-confidential information sharing, and joint promotional activities.
NICCI And FICCI Declare Strategic Partnership
According to the agreement, NICCI will act as the official strategic partner of FICCI in Nepal. Similarly, FICCI will represent NICCI’s interests in India. The organizations will regularly share trade statistics, investment data, and related publications.
“This partnership marks a new chapter in Nepal–India business relations,” said Sunil KC. He added that both organizations plan to organize at least one major joint business event each year.
Annual Joint Events And Delegation Exchange
The chambers will also support the regular exchange of business delegations. Entrepreneurs and investors from both countries will benefit from face-to-face interaction and market insights.
NICCI President KC said the collaboration would focus on joint studies, market research, and identifying areas for economic growth. He believes publication sharing and survey reports will help pinpoint new investment opportunities.
FICCI’s Role And Commitment
FICCI Director General Jyoti Vij also emphasized the importance of strong bilateral ties. She said both chambers share the responsibility of enhancing Nepal–India trade and investment relations.
“As key business representatives of our nations, we are committed to this mission,” Vij said. FICCI, based in New Delhi, is one of India’s oldest business organizations. Founded in 1927 on Mahatma Gandhi’s advice, it now represents over 250,000 companies.
FICCI leads in policy advocacy, private-public dialogue, innovation, and investment promotion in India.
NICCI: Nepal’s Gateway To Indian Markets
NICCI, established in 1993 by Prabhakar SJB Rana, plays a vital role in Nepal’s economic diplomacy. As a non-profit bilateral business organization, NICCI connects Nepali businesses with Indian and South Asian markets.
The chamber promotes cooperation in trade, energy, tourism, infrastructure, and policy dialogue. Indian Ambassadors to Nepal traditionally serve as NICCI’s patrons. The current patron is Ambassador Naveen Srivastava.
Formalizing Long-Standing Economic Interdependence
This MoU formalizes decades of economic interdependence between the two neighboring countries. Both organizations committed to resolving cross-border trade challenges and exploring emerging business opportunities.
NICCI members will now gain access to FICCI’s vast networks and resources across India. This move is expected to help expand Nepal’s trade footprint and strengthen its investment landscape.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Borders
Beyond bilateral goals, the agreement also opens doors to regional collaboration. NICCI and FICCI will work together in broader South Asian frameworks such as BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
“This partnership goes beyond just Nepal and India,” said KC. “We are launching the NICCI–FICCI Track 1.5 initiative. It will include business leaders and government officials from both countries,” he added.
Track 1.5 Dialogue For Investment Promotion
The Track 1.5 platform will promote investment in Nepal. It will also help address rising investor interest in key sectors such as infrastructure, technology, energy, and tourism.
NICCI believes the initiative will provide a powerful forum for joint policymaking, investment advocacy, and innovation exchange.
For more:- NICCI-FICCI Trade Investment Agreement