Investment Push: NRNs Ready to Invest in Nepal, But Legal Hurdles Remain

Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) have expressed strong interest in investing in Nepal but identified bureaucratic hurdles, lengthy legal procedures and concerns over investment security as the two major obstacles holding them back. Speaking at the 11th Asia-Pacific Conference in Guangzhou, NRN leaders, entrepreneurs and experts said Nepal has significant potential in sectors ranging from hydropower and technology to healthcare, protein production and innovation, but investors need greater certainty and ease of doing business. Former NRN president Upendra Mahato said NRNs share a common vision of a prosperous Nepal and that their investment could bring not only capital but also technology, expertise and international networks. Other participants criticized the practice of making investors navigate multiple government offices and lengthy procedures, arguing that the state should facilitate investment rather than create additional barriers. They also called for stronger legal guarantees, better infrastructure, lower financing costs and greater political and economic stability. Participants highlighted emerging opportunities in medical technology, protein production and other innovative industries, while representatives from China pointed to infrastructure bottlenecks affecting Nepal-China trade. They stressed that investors need confidence that their investments will be protected and capable of generating reasonable returns. Political representatives attending the conference also expressed support for creating an investment-friendly environment, emphasizing that the government and NRNs should work as partners rather than as separate sides. With a large Nepali diaspora holding substantial financial resources, skills and international experience, participants argued that Nepal could benefit significantly if the government succeeds in turning the diaspora's willingness to invest into actual investment.