AmCham Nepal strengthens commercial ties in Washington, DC

KATHMANDU: A delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal) successfully concluded a high-level visit to Washington, D.C., engaging with key U.S. agencies, business leaders, and policymakers to promote economic collaboration between Nepal and the United States.

Led by Ajit Bikram Shah, Founding Chair of AmCham Nepal, along with Samrath Mogha, CEO of Mogha Energy, and Amir Raj Thapa, General Manager of AmCham Nepal, the delegation met with officials from the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the World Bank Group, among others.

In discussions with the U.S. Department of State, the Nepalese delegation was welcomed by Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary Alla Kamins, who emphasized the importance of economic mobility and mutual prosperity.

Chris Ashe, Acting Director at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, expressed the new administration’s commitment to removing trade barriers and enhancing business opportunities between Nepal and the U.S. He encouraged AmCham Nepal to take the lead in expanding commercial ties.

Naomi Wiegler, Acting Deputy Director, assured U.S. support in connecting AmCham Nepal with potential business partners, fostering investment opportunities, and promoting American businesses in Nepal. The meetings were also attended by Sara Anderson, Economic Advisor, and Sean Comber, Nepal Desk Officer at the State Department.

Ajit Bikram Shah highlighted the potential of Nepal’s ICT sector, stressing that skilled Nepalese IT professionals can offer competitive services to U.S. companies. He acknowledged the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu’s support and called for more industry-focused business development programs.

Samrath Mogha, an American hydropower developer, emphasized the need for tax reforms to attract U.S. investment in Nepal. While acknowledging Nepal’s improving business climate, he urged further policy enhancements to facilitate foreign direct investment (FDI) and streamline profit repatriation for American businesses.

Amir Raj Thapa provided an overview of AmCham Nepal’s initiatives in fostering American business values, job creation, and technology transfer in Nepal. He reaffirmed AmCham’s commitment to strengthening bilateral commercial partnerships under the umbrella of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The delegation also held discussions with Gregg D. Pipe and Rajan Nathaniel from the National Security Council, who reiterated their commitment to fair trade practices and removing obstacles to financial sustainability. The team further engaged with Verinda Fike, USTDA Director, and Anna Pitzer, USTDA Manager, to explore new collaboration avenues for Nepalese and U.S. businesses.

AmCham Nepal focused on key industries such as ICT, energy, tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, fintech, agribusiness, and services—sectors poised for growth and collaboration. With the U.S. being Nepal’s fourth-largest trading partner, bilateral trade stood at $145 million in imports and $128 million in exports in FY 2023/24. Strengthening commercial ties will not only enhance trade but also support Nepal’s transition toward a developing nation status.

The delegation also met with representatives from the World Bank Group, the U.S. Treasury Department, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to discuss Nepal’s economic prospects. At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Nepal provided updates on its ongoing efforts to foster a dynamic commercial relationship between the two nations.

The MCC Compact is a vital initiative for business growth and stronger U.S.-Nepal ties, with $500 million from the U.S. and $130 million from Nepal reflecting a shared commitment to development.

As a champion of commercial diplomacy, AmCham Nepal sees its successful execution as key to future economic progress. U.S. support will enhance opportunities, build public trust, and strengthen the bilateral partnership, fostering Nepal’s long-term prosperity.

By playing a proactive role in commercial diplomacy, AmCham Nepal is setting the stage for greater economic mobility, innovation, and sustainable business growth, reinforcing the long-standing friendship between Nepal and the United States.