Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, has sought Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya’s facilitation in further increasing Japanese investment in Nepal.

She called on Japanese investors to explore growing opportunities in Nepal, highlighting the country’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting foreign investment.

Deuba made the remarks during a meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya in Tokyo on Wednesday, according to a press note issued by her secretariat on Thursday.

The two ministers discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including economic cooperation, diplomatic ties, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, the secretariat said.

Deuba expressed Nepal’s gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support in Nepal’s economic and social development and acknowledged the historic friendship that has endured since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1956. The two countries will mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Deuba formally invited Minister Iwaya to visit Nepal as part of the upcoming anniversary celebrations.

She also underscored Nepal’s transition from a least developed country (LDC) to a developing nation by 2026, and requested Japan’s continued support during this critical economic shift.

Stressing Nepal’s investment potential, Deuba urged her Japanese counterpart to encourage Japanese businesses and industrialists to consider Nepal as an attractive destination, citing favourable government policies that ensure investment security.