KATHMANDU, Nov 6: The government is seeking domestic and foreign investors for infrastructure projects worth Rs 2.453 trillion, as it prepares to showcase 23 major and strategic projects at an upcoming Nepal Infrastructure Summit.
The government has drawn up a list of projects in energy, tunnels, expressways, civil aviation, information technology and industrial infrastructure, despite mounting pressure on revenue to meet recurrent expenditure.
Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal said the government would present the projects to potential investors at the summit, scheduled for December 9 and 10 in Kathmandu.
"We are looking for investors for large infrastructure projects. Along with investment commitments, we will also inform investors about planned policy reforms," Lamsal said.
The government is preparing to introduce or amend 59 laws to improve the investment climate before the summit, he added.
The summit is being organised jointly by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN). The Investment Board Nepal, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce are co-organisers.
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The government plans to present investment opportunities in hydropower, roads, tunnels, airports, information technology, industrial infrastructure, tourism and agro-processing.
Among the largest projects to be showcased are the Rs 400 billion Budhi Gandaki Multipurpose Project, the Rs 381 billion Dudhkoshi Reservoir Project, the Rs 260 billion Majhitar-Shaktikhor Tunnel and the Rs 221 billion Chandragiri-Chitlang-Palung-Chitwan Expressway.
Other major energy projects include the Rs 208 billion Upper Arun Hydropower Project and the Rs 200 billion Tamor Reservoir Hydropower Project.
The government will also seek investors for the Nijgadh International Airport, estimated to cost Rs 162 billion, the Butwal-Pokhara Expressway (Rs 80 billion) and the Kohalpur-Surkhet Expressway (Rs 67 billion).
The proposed Daunne Tunnel requires an estimated Rs 10 billion, while the Dharan-Leuti Tunnel is expected to cost Rs 6 billion.
Urban infrastructure and technology projects will also feature prominently. The Maheshphant Satellite IT City is estimated to cost Rs 55 billion. The Global Convention and Digital Hub and Chhahare Satellite Logistics City each require an estimated Rs 50 billion. The proposed AI Data Centre in Manang is also expected to cost Rs 50 billion, while the Manedobhan Eco Town has an estimated price tag of Rs 45 billion.
Industrial and mining projects include the Rs 51 billion Dhaubadi Iron Mine, the Rs 40 billion Shaktikhor Industrial Park and the Rs 10 billion Naubasta Industrial Park.
The summit will also showcase the Rs 30 billion Mustang Integrated Apple Farming and Processing Project and the Rs 27 billion Khaptad Integrated Ecotourism Project.
Two major power transmission projects, the Karnali HVDC and Bheri HVDC transmission lines, each estimated to cost Rs 25 billion, will also be presented to investors.
Discussions will cover investment opportunities, challenges in project implementation and a national architectural blueprint outlining Nepal's infrastructure development vision for the next decade.
FNCCI President Anjan Shrestha said foreign companies should provide opportunities to domestic contractors when undertaking large projects. FCAN President Nikolas Pandey said Nepali construction companies were ready to partner with foreign investors and should be involved in maintenance and technical work.
Nepal has previously organised investment summits in 2017, 2019 and 2024 to attract foreign capital, accelerate industrial development, create jobs and expand infrastructure.
The 2017 summit secured investment pledges worth $13.5 billion. In 2019, the government presented 77 projects worth around $32 billion to potential investors. More than 55 countries participated in the 2024 summit, which resulted in investment approval worth Rs 9.13 billion for four projects through the Department of Industry.
