FinMin Pun holds a virtual meeting with ambassadors and heads of delegations for Investment Summit

Kathmandu / March 30: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun convened a virtual meeting with over 40 Nepali ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions abroad in preparation for the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 scheduled for April 28-29 in Kathmandu.

Minister Pun attended the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs late Friday evening via Zoom. Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Investment Board Sushil Bhatta were also present on the occasion.

On behalf of the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Minister Pun directed the ambassadors and delegation heads to prioritize the investment summit next month. “The Investment Summit is tied to the honor, prestige, and glory of the nation,” Pun stated. “On behalf of the Prime Minister, I urge you to set aside all other tasks for the next month and dedicate yourselves to this event.”

Minister Pun highlighted that invitations have been sent to foreign development partners, prominent investors, potential investors, speakers, and high-ranking government officials. He instructed the diplomats to prepare and submit a list of confirmed attendees for the conference.

He mentioned that the government has been implementing policy, procedural, and legal reforms to foster an investment-friendly environment. Minister Pun asked the ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions to inform investors and governmental agencies in their respective countries about these reforms, which include amendments to over a dozen laws.

“There is also progress in drafting 12 laws and some bilateral agreements. Share information about these efforts and the investment law with investors and governmental agencies,” he said.

Minister Pun also noted that the core leadership of the government remains unchanged, with only a few ministerial adjustments, and emphasized the need to reassure the international community that the investment conference and policies are consistent.

Minister Pun conveyed that the government prioritizes leveraging the knowledge, skills, and technology of non-resident Nepalis and requested that ambassadors and mission heads relay this message to the diaspora.

He urged for an acceleration in the preparatory activities underway in various countries, including India, China, Korea, and the Gulf.

The meeting saw participation from ambassadors and delegation heads from the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Bangladesh, India, Oman, South Korea, and Malaysia.