Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has called on Japanese business leaders to increase investment in Nepal, highlighting the significant opportunities in sectors such as hydropower, tourism, and manufacturing.

Minister Paudel made the appeal during a courtesy meeting with representatives from various Japanese companies who are in Nepal for the Nepal-Japan Friendship Summit 2025 that began on Thursday.

The finance minister expressed confidence that the summit would serve as a platform to promote Nepal as an attractive destination for investment, offering a favourable environment for foreign investors. Paudel emphasised that the government has made efforts to ease the investment climate by amending laws through ordinances to address the concerns of the private sector.

The government introduced six ordinances in December and January. Ministers said one of the ordinances was brought with an objective to create a business and investment-friendly environment in the country.

“We believe there is great potential for Japanese investments in Nepal’s priority development sectors,” he said. “The Nepal Japan Friendship Summit will showcase these opportunities and encourage Japanese investors to make further investments in the country.”

He also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and creating conducive conditions for foreign investments. The finance minister specifically mentioned that hydropower, tourism, and manufacturing are key areas that could yield high returns for investors.

The Japanese delegation included representatives from over a dozen companies, including Fujita, BenSys Corporation, Digital Pilot, Tokyo Marine, and Fourth Valley. According to Minister Paudel’s secretariat, the summit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance economic cooperation between Nepal and Japan.