FNCCI and NICCI Discuss Strengthening Nepal-India Economic Cooperation and Institutional Collaboration

Kathmandu, 23 September 2026 – A delegation of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), led by President Mr. Sunil KC, met with the leadership of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), led by President Mr. Anjan Shrestha, to discuss strengthening Nepal–India economic cooperation and institutional collaboration between the two chambers.

The meeting covered bilateral trade and investment, energy, tourism, IT and artificial intelligence, the Nepal–India Joint Business Forum, binational chamber issues, economic diplomacy, industry–academia collaboration, and joint investment-promotion initiatives in India.

NICCI President Mr. Sunil K.C. congratulated Mr. Anjan Shrestha on assuming the FNCCI presidency and expressed NICCI’s commitment to undertaking productive joint initiatives during his tenure. He recalled NICCI’s long-standing association with FNCCI and emphasized the need to revitalize cooperation through regular and structured engagement.

Welcoming the delegation, the President of FNCCI Mr. Anjan Shrestha appreciated NICCI’s continued engagement and highlighted India’s significance to Nepal’s trade and broader economic relations. He noted that NICCI’s role as a binational chamber is closely aligned with FNCCI’s objectives of promoting Nepal’s business and economic interests.

The two sides discussed Nepal–India trade and opportunities to strengthen domestic production and industrialization. Mr. Shrestha highlighted potential partnerships between Nepali and Indian businesses, particularly with companies in neighboring Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, including in manufacturing and food-related sectors.

Energy cooperation was identified as a key priority. The participants discussed the target of exporting 10,000 MW of electricity within ten years and the need for greater private-sector participation and investment, along with timely development of transmission infrastructure. The two chambers agreed to maintain regular dialogue on energy-sector cooperation.

The meeting also discussed opportunities to expand tourism cooperation, including linkages with Indian destinations such as Varanasi, as well as emerging areas of collaboration in IT and artificial intelligence.

NICCI proposed establishing an annual Nepal–India CEO roundtable during high-level bilateral engagements to facilitate greater interaction among business leaders. The two chambers agreed to work together toward advancing the proposal. The possibility of hosting Nepal’s investment summit in New Delhi on a regular basis was also discussed, along with NICCI’s proposal for joint participation by FNCCI and NICCI through a dedicated Nepal pavilion at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit to promote investment opportunities and business-to-business engagement.

NICCI reiterated its proposal for consideration of a permanent Vice President position within FNCCI for the ex-officio President of NICCI, citing the need for stronger long-term institutional coordination on Nepal–India economic matters. Mr. Shrestha noted that the proposal would be looked through the appropriate constitutional and institutional processes of FNCCI.

The meeting also discussed NICCI’s participation in the Nepal–India Joint Business Forum (JBF). NICCI requested a greater role, including consideration of chair or co-chair responsibilities. FNCCI expressed its commitment to work toward greater NICCI participation and agreed to pursue the matter through the appropriate channels ahead of upcoming high-level bilateral engagements.

The participants also discussed NICCI’s participation in the MNC and FDI Forum being prepared to form at FNCCI,as well as issues concerning binational chambers, including the need for greater institutional coordination and resolution of outstanding matters.

The two chambers agreed to continue dialogue and explore joint initiatives covering trade, investment, energy, business delegations, investment promotion, tourism, IT and AI, industry–academia cooperation, food security, industrialization and energy security.

The meeting concluded with FNCCI and NICCI reaffirming their commitment to closer institutional cooperation and sustained private-sector dialogue aimed at expanding economic opportunities between Nepal and India.

The delegation from the FNCCI was led by the President Mr. Anjan Shrestha, comprising Mr. Sur Krishna Vaidya, Senior Vice President, Mr. Gopal Tiwari, Director Generaland from the NICCI side the delegation was led by the President Mr. Sunil K.C. and companied by Mr. Kunal Kayal, Vice President; Mr. Marshal Rathour, Director; Ms. Shreyasi Rana, Program Associate, Mr. Kuber Chalise, Research Director, AIDIA.