Kathmandu- The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Nepal organized a 15th member training program in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank. The event, held in Kathmandu, focused on fostering economic growth, investment, and private sector development in Nepal.

Arnaud Heckmann, Country Operations Head of ADB, presented the bank’s four-year strategic plan for Nepal (2025–2029), which emphasizes on promoting employment-driven green economic transformation led by the private sector, advancing inclusive and high-quality human capital development, and enhancing public service delivery along with strengthening environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

ADB is implementing 32 projects in Nepal, with a total investment of $4.3 billion. These projects cover various sectors, including private sector development, agriculture, education, energy, finance, industry and trade, public sector management, transportation, and urban development. ADB’s Country Director for Nepal, Arnaud Cauchois, provided an overview of bank's ongoing initiatives in the country.

David Sislen, World Bank’s Country Director for Nepal, emphasized the critical role of the private sector in Nepal’s development. He highlighted the bank’s focus on ICT, energy, and tourism sectors, and discussed the importance of infrastructure investment for sustaining economic growth. He also stated a significant reduction in public expenditure since 2018, with the implementation rate falling below 80% in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, which could pose a challenge to Nepal’s economic development. Sislen predicted that the service sectors, such as tourism, real estate, and trade, would be major drivers of economic growth.

Economic and Commercial Officer at the US Embassy Darrin Christensen said that AmCham Nepal’s initiatives would encourage American businesses to expand their operations in Nepal. He also appreciated the role of ADB and the World Bank in Nepal’s ICT, energy, and tourism sectors.

Chief Commercial Officer at the US Embassy in New Delhi, Xiaobing Feng, highlighted the US commitment to strengthening business partnerships between Nepali and American enterprises. He also encouraged Nepali companies to participate in the "Select USA" program, which provides opportunities to connect with American investors.

AmCham Nepal’s General Manager, Amir R. Thapa, said that the organization remains comitted in establishing Nepal as a promising trade and investment destination. He stated that AmCham acts as a bridge between the American business community and the Nepalese government, facilitating entrepreneurship, job creation, and strengthening bilateral trade relations between Nepal and the US.

Thapa further added that AmCham Nepal is focused on promoting free enterprise, protecting American business values, and contributing to Nepal’s economic transformation. He highlited the role of American investments in tourism, energy, ICT, manufacturing, services, and carbon trading, which would open new economic opportunities for Nepal.

Representatives of AmCham member companies, partner organizations, the US Embassy, and regional international trade administrators attended the program. The training series is expected to boost American investment prospects in Nepal and further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.