Nepal envoy urges stronger trade, investment, and flight connectivity with Pakistan

Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, has called for deeper trade and investment cooperation between Nepal and Pakistan, stressing that direct air connectivity and stronger private-sector linkages are essential to unlocking the full potential of bilateral relations.

Speaking during her visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the ambassador highlighted that while both countries share over six decades of friendship and cooperation, economic and commercial ties remain underdeveloped.

“We are very satisfied with the depth of our diplomatic relations, but there is much more room to grow in trade and investment,” she said. “Governments do not always see opportunities the way business leaders do — that’s why we count on the private sector to lead these initiatives.”

Dhital said the Nepalese government is keen to attract foreign investors, inviting Pakistani entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in tourism, information technology, hydropower, and renewable energy. She emphasized that Nepal’s liberal visa regime already facilitates business travel, offering citizens of all SAARC countries, including Pakistan, a free 30-day visa on arrival.

She noted that both countries have previously signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in trade, tourism, culture, aviation, and agriculture. Among them, the 2005 MoU between KCCI and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) provides a ready framework for reviving business cooperation.

Highlighting trade complementarities, the ambassador pointed out that both countries produce goods that can complement each other’s markets. “Despite numerous opportunities, trade remains limited. This is why we are engaging with chambers across Pakistan to encourage new partnerships,” she said.

Dhital also underlined the importance of restoring direct flights between Pakistan and Nepal. “Nepal Airlines once operated flights to Karachi, and Pakistan International Airlines continued its Kathmandu route until 2014,” she recalled, adding that efforts are under way to engage private carriers to re-establish this link.

“Geography should not be a barrier to cooperation,” she said, encouraging Pakistani firms to explore digital and ICT collaborations with Nepalese partners. She added that language is not a significant hurdle either, as Urdu is widely understood and English commonly spoken in Nepal’s urban centers.

Assuring full support to the business community, Dhital said, “We are just one email, WhatsApp message, or phone call away. The Embassy will facilitate any business delegation visiting Nepal and help connect you to the right people.”

KCCI President Rehan Hanif, while welcoming the envoy, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to enhancing trade diplomacy and economic relations with Nepal. “Pakistan and Nepal share deep-rooted cultural, historical, and religious ties, and there exists vast untapped potential in areas such as tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, IT, hydropower, and renewable energy,” he said.

Hanif stressed the need to resume direct air links and promote business-to-business interactions, trade delegations, and exhibitions to unlock new opportunities. “Strengthening people-to-people contact and cultural exchange will further deepen our longstanding friendship,” he added.

The meeting was attended by Honorary Consul of Nepal Mushtaq Chhapra, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Vice President Muhammad Arif Lakhani, Chairman of the Diplomatic Missions & Embassies Liaison Subcommittee Ahsan Arshad Sheikh, Former KCCI President Majyd Aziz, and other members of the managing committee.