Nepal invites Indian investment in agriculture, herbal sectors

Wooing Indian investments in farm and herbal sectors, new Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said the country has simplified tax regime and also ratifying bilateral investment promotion and protection pact with India.

"After political stability, Economic prosperity is our sole agenda. Nepal has now become safer destination for FDI ... Indian investors have done investments in many countries around the world. My message to the business leaders in India, if far corners of the world can be your investment destination why cannot next door Nepal," Dahal said at an event organised by industry associations here.

Dahal, who is popularly known as Prachanda, said, "We are in the process of ratifying Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement(BIPA) with India." The Nepal Prime Minister said that his country has taken many steps to promote growth and investment.

"We have reduced tariff and simplified tax regime. More can be done to reform, we are continuously working in that direction," Dahal said.

Noting that Nepal can be attractive business avenue, the Nepal Prime Minister said that his country is committed to creating best possible business reform for Indian investors.

He said Nepal wants investment from Indian companies in the field of agriculture and herbal and tourism sector.

Nepal plans to establish two Special Economic Zones (SEZ) near Indo-Nepal border, he said.

Noting that there is no income tax on dividend in Nepal, Dahal said, "We have favourable fiscal environment. There is no discrimination between Nepalese and Indian investors," he said.