Kathmandu — President Ramchandra Paudel departed for an official visit to Japan on Sunday at the invitation of the Japanese government, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan.
President Paudel was seen off at the VVIP Lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, ministers, chiefs of security agencies, senior government officials, and the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal. The President is accompanied by his spouse Sabita Paudel, high-level government officials and officials from the Office of the President. He is scheduled to return to Nepal on February 4.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Paudel is leading a Nepali delegation to Japan to attend an anniversary program organized by the Japanese government. During the visit, he is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Japanese Emperor.
During his stay in Japan, President Paudel addressed an interactive programme with the Japanese business community in Tokyo, urging them to explore investment opportunities in Nepal. The programme was organized as part of the celebrations marking 70 years of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations.
Addressing the gathering, President Paudel said the Government of Nepal is fully committed to providing all possible support to foreign investors, including Japanese companies. He stated that Nepal has created an overall economic environment that ensures attractive returns on investment, along with simplified procedures for the repatriation of profits and capital, and guarantees investment security.
Highlighting the milestone anniversary, the President said the occasion provided an appropriate opportunity to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. He noted that Nepal and Japan share long-standing cultural ties dating back to ancient times and expressed appreciation for the teachings of Gautam Buddha, quoting that “the victory of peace is one in which nobody loses.”
President Paudel encouraged Japanese investors to focus on priority sectors such as agriculture, water resources and tourism, saying investment in Nepal would generate economic benefits while also contributing to social and cultural values. He described Nepal–Japan relations as exemplary, founded on goodwill, friendship and cooperation, and said stronger engagement with the private sector would further enhance trade and investment ties between the two countries.
He also acknowledged Japan’s long-standing support to Nepal’s socio-economic development, describing Japan as a reliable and trusted development partner. The President said Nepal is currently focused on social justice, good governance, political stability and people’s prosperity, adding that the country is set to graduate from the least developed country category by the end of this year and aims to achieve middle-income status by 2030.
Stressing the need for substantial resources to achieve these goals, President Paudel said Nepal is prioritizing the attraction of foreign investment, expansion of trade, promotion of tourism and acquisition of advanced technology. He underlined that sustainable prosperity is not possible without cooperation between governments and the private sector, as well as strong partnerships with other countries.
The President informed the business community that Nepal has opened nearly all sectors to foreign investment, including manufacturing, hydropower, tourism, services, information technology, mining and agro-based industries. He said legal, procedural and institutional reforms have been introduced in line with liberal economic policies to facilitate trade and promote innovation.
He also highlighted that the Investment Board Nepal provides one-door services to large investors and noted that independent assessments by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and major international credit rating agencies have identified Nepal as offering one of the most favourable business environments in South Asia. He added that Nepal’s strategic location between the two rapidly growing economies of India and China offers significant advantages to potential investors.
On the occasion, Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires to Japan, Harihar Kant Poudel, welcomed the President. Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and Joint Secretary Bhrigu Dhungana delivered presentations on Nepal’s investment potential. Members of the Japanese business community expressed optimism after learning about investment opportunities in Nepal, stating that the interaction had opened new doors for future engagement.
