LONDON:- The Nepal-UK Economic Partnership Forum 2026, organized by the Embassy of Nepal in London with the aim of further strengthening and expanding trade, investment, and overall economic cooperation between Nepal and the UK, has concluded.
It is believed that this forum—attended by over 150 participants, including policymakers, parliamentarians, industrialists, investors, private sector representatives, technology experts, development partners, and representatives of the Nepali community in the UK—will usher the economic relationship between the two countries into a new phase.
Two significant Memoranda of Understanding were signed during the event. The first agreement was concluded between the West London Chamber of Commerce and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, while the second was signed between the West London Chamber of Commerce and the Nepal-Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In London, the agreement was signed by Alan Rides, Chief Executive Officer of the West London Chamber, and Vice President Dr. Renu Raj, while Prithvi Raj Pande, President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and Dr. Roshan Rathi, President of the Nepal-Britain Chamber, signed virtually from Kathmandu.
These agreements aim to expand institutional cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, while fostering the mutual promotion of trade and investment opportunities, strengthening business ties, and encouraging long-term partnerships. The Embassy organized this forum with the objective of bringing the private sectors of both nations onto a single platform to collaborate in areas of mutual interest and explore new business prospects.
In a message addressed to the forum, Foreign Minister Dr. Shishir Khanal stated that the Government of Nepal is committed to promoting international trade, attracting foreign direct investment, expanding tourism, facilitating technology transfer, creating jobs, and more strongly integrating Nepal into the global economy.He stated that Nepal warmly welcomes British investment in priority sectors such as hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, information technology, and digital services. Describing the UK as a key development partner for Nepal, he expressed a desire to expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of technological transformation and innovation as well.
Rob Fenn, the UK Ambassador to Nepal, highlighted the immense investment potential in the country and stated that the recent visit to Nepal by Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Equalities, has injected new energy into bilateral relations.Noting that Nepali professionals are providing competitive services in the global market within the fields of information technology and artificial intelligence, he expressed confidence that Nepal could become a key partner in the digital economy. He remarked that the UK could be a strong partner in Nepal’s digital transformation.
British MP and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal, Alex Baker, expressed the view that the UK should no longer view Nepal merely as a recipient of development aid, but rather as an equal development partner. She emphasized transforming historic ties into practical cooperation based on trade, investment, education, technology, research, and entrepreneurship.
Kul Acharya, former president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), called upon the Nepali community in the UK to invest in Nepal’s major infrastructure, hydropower, tourism, and productive sectors. Noting that a historic opportunity has emerged for Nepalis worldwide to invest confidently in their homeland, he highlighted the immense market and development potential arising from Nepal’s location between two major economies—China and India.
Biraj Bhatta, President of the Britain-Nepal Chamber of Commerce, stated that a favorable environment for investment has emerged in Nepal and noted that the Nepali community in the UK is playing an active role in promoting investment. Alan Rides, Chief Executive of the West London Chamber; Dr. Renu Raj, Vice President; and Dr. Roshan Rathi, President of the Nepal-Britain Chamber, expressed their belief that these agreements would make bilateral business cooperation more institutionalized and effective.
The forum featured detailed discussions on expanding bilateral trade, facilitating investment, artificial intelligence, technology transfer, outsourcing, professional services, the digital economy, and enhancing the economic role of the Nepali community in the UK. The Investment Board Nepal delivered a comprehensive presentation on investment opportunities, while representatives from UK government bodies—including British International Investment, UK Export Finance, and the Department for Business and Trade—participated in the event.
Participants emphasized the need to expand market access, simplify investment procedures, ensure policy clarity, foster institutional partnerships, and maintain continuous dialogue among the government, the private sector, and investors. It is believed that such initiatives will significantly contribute to establishing a long-term and mutually beneficial economic partnership between the two countries. The program was conducted by Sanjog Rai, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Nepal.