Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Gauri Kumari Oli, held bilateral talks with a high-level delegation led by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, on Asar 26, 2083 BS (July 10, 2026). According to a press release issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the discussions focused on deepening political, economic and investment relations between the two countries. Minister Gauri Kumari emphasized the longstanding diplomatic relationship established in 1977 and the strategic importance of expanding cooperation in hydropower, renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence and data centre development. She encouraged UAE investors to explore investment opportunities in Nepal and requested support for promoting Nepali exports, particularly agricultural products such as tea, cardamom and spring water, in the UAE market.
During the meeting, Minister Kumari also raised issues concerning the welfare of Nepali workers employed in the UAE. She requested stronger arrangements to protect workers’ interests, improve social security measures and facilitate the revalidation of police clearance certificates. The minister further emphasized the importance of strengthening connectivity between Nepal and the UAE through additional cooperation with airlines and international airport services. These proposals were presented as areas requiring further bilateral coordination rather than finalized agreements.
The UAE delegation expressed interest in elevating bilateral economic relations through cooperation in renewable energy, tourism, agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, data management and trade logistics infrastructure. Dr. Al Zeyoudi expressed support for the proposal to establish a Nepal–UAE Joint Business Forum, which could create opportunities for business networking, investment promotion and private-sector collaboration. He also indicated that the UAE would take initiatives through relevant authorities regarding the revalidation of police clearance certificates for Nepali workers.
A major outcome of the discussions was the shared commitment to advance cooperation toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and a Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA). Both sides expressed readiness to strengthen bilateral relations by pursuing these agreements and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and labour-related matters. However, the ministry’s press release does not confirm that either agreement has been signed or announce specific investment commitments, negotiation deadlines or implementation schedules. The meeting represents a diplomatic effort to deepen Nepal–UAE economic ties and create opportunities for trade diversification, foreign investment and stronger institutional cooperation.
