FNCCI-Spanish Chamber of Commerce Discuss Economic Cooperation

Kathmandu: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce held a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen economic cooperation between Nepal and Spain on August 8.

The discussion was held during the meeting between FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and Imaculada Riera Rene, Chief Executive Officer of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, at the FNCCI Secretariat.

The meeting discussed economic cooperation, trade, investment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and long-term partnerships between the two countries

On this occasion, FNCCI President Dhakal emphasised the need to strengthen Nepal-Spain relationship through the private sector. He stated that working with Spain could bring technology, capital and experience to the Nepali market and affirmed the private sector’s full readiness for such cooperation.

President Dhakal also expressed gratitude for the initial draft of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, stating that it would create a foundation for a shared vision and a long-term relationship.

Dhakal further added that both sides would sign the MoU after a detailed review.

“This proposed MoU covers practical aspects such as trade promotion, investment, market information exchange, delegation support, and cooperation among SMEs, which are all positive,” said Dhakal.

He also expressed his confidence that the MoU would become a powerful platform for joint investment, technical cooperation, and knowledge sharing, and would further make it easier for Spanish businesses to understand Nepal and would help Nepali businesses use Spain as a gateway to Europe.

Mentioning the role of SMEs as the backbone of both economies, Dhakal pointed to opportunities created by recent policy changes in Nepal, stating that these changes have created sufficient opportunities for foreign investment. He identified tourism, infrastructure, hydropower, renewable energy, agricultural processing, and information technology as promising sectors for Spanish investment.

Imaculada Riera Rene, Chief Executive Officer of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, said the investment opportunities in Nepal are very attractive and expressed a strong desire to enhance business cooperation. She noted potential in tourism, technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

She also said that the MoU would enhance private-sector coordination and trust between Nepal and Spain to a new level.

Both parties expressed the belief that joint initiatives are necessary to deepen their economic ties and that business communities would benefit from shared programmes and collaborations.

Former FNCCI President Chandi Raj Dhakal and FNCCI Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya also participated in the meeting. In June, during a programme in Spain, FNCCI President Dhakal, who was part of a delegation led by Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, had invited CEO Rene of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce to visit Nepal.