US business team eager to invest in Nepal

The visiting delegation of American Chamber of Commerce in India (ACCI) has shown interest in investing on infrastructure, IT, food, beverage (Coca Cola), health related equipments, agro products and agro industries.
Briefing the press meet here today, ACCI vice-chairman Aniruddha Lahiri said that they are very much excited about bringing investment in Nepal.
However, they have shown concern on UCPN-Maoist Economic Policy and security of their investment. "We have talked to UCPN-Maoist leaders today," he said, adding that they are eager to support the foreign direct investment (FDI).
Earlier, in the afternoon, they held meeting with UCPN-Maoist supremo Puspa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and chief Maoist ideologue Dr Baburam Bhattarai.
"Our party knows the importance of foreign investment as Nepal needs more investment at the current moment," said Bhattarai coming out of the meeting, though Dahal did not speak to the media.
However, the delegation wanted to know more on UCPN-Maoist Economic Policy and investment security in the wake of growing threat to an Indian company GMR, which was barred from working by the Maoist cadres.
The governments might come and go but the policy stability is a key, the delegation said.
The nine-member team led by Lahiri, along with the US ambassador to Nepal Scott H DeLisi also made a courtesy call to Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal at his office today.
Welcoming the delegation, the premier explained that Nepal has great potentials for development and business opportunities are abundant.
"Nepal is moving towards peace and stability," he said, adding that the country is looking forward to an economic revolution and eager to welcome investment from all including members of American Chamber of Commerce.
The Prime Minister assured the team on policy of welcoming foreign investment and providing security to foreign invested enterprises in Nepal as the country's unanimous policy of the current coalition government.
After the premier's assurance, the visitors said that they feel reassured by the PM’s statement on industrial security in Nepal. They also informed that Coca Cola company is planning to double its present investment in Nepal, provided the investment security.
The ambassador, on the occasion, said that US government wants to be partner in Nepal’s efforts for the establishment of peace, prosperity and development in the country.
He also hoped that efforts will be geared towards economic development.
Apart from the premier, the delegation held meeting with finance minister, former finance ministers, and private sector to seek their views on investment protection and explore possible sectors for investment in Nepal.
Earlier the delegation from the American Chamber of Commerce in India had arrived in Kathmandu yesterday for a three-day visit.
The trade mission -- the first by a US business organisation in 13 years --demonstrated the renewed American interest in Nepal’s economy building on the recently-signed US-Nepal Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).