KATHMANDU, June 4: Jordan has announced it will soon host a Nepali business delegation to explore potential avenues for trade and investment.
The announcement was made during a high-level event in Kathmandu marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Yousef Mustafa Abdelghani, the non-resident Ambassador of Jordan to Nepal, underscored the crucial role of the private sector in enhancing economic cooperation between the two nations. “Governments will create enabling policies, but the real actors are the private sector,” he said. “Jordan offers vast opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals, and we are eager to welcome Nepali businesses.”
Round table meet to explore business and investment opportuniti...
As part of his official visit, Ambassador Abdelghani presented his credentials to President Ram Chandra Poudel and formally inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of Jordan in Kathmandu—marking a new phase in Jordan-Nepal diplomatic and commercial engagement.
The ambassador also acknowledged the contributions of the approximately 3,000 Nepali workers currently employed in Jordan and reiterated his country’s interest in strengthening the Labour Agreement signed in 2017. He stressed the need for greater transparency and expanded employment opportunities for Nepali workers in Jordan.
Ramhari Khatiwada, Chair of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee in Nepal’s House of Representatives and Chief Guest at the ceremony, praised Jordan’s constructive role in promoting peace in the Middle East and fostering economic ties with Nepal. “Jordan’s proactive approach to bridging the gap in trade and investment with Nepal is commendable,” he remarked.
Kunal Kayal, Honorary Consul of Jordan to Nepal, highlighted the strategic potential of the bilateral partnership. “Strategic engagement—guided by sector expertise and regional understanding—can unlock significant value in both markets,” he said, pointing to opportunities in renewable energy, tourism infrastructure, and agricultural modernisation.
Bilateral Economic Snapshot
Nepal and Jordan established formal diplomatic relations on 20 August 1965 and have maintained friendly ties with modest levels of engagement. The recent expansion of consular and commercial initiatives signals a shift towards deeper economic cooperation.
Jordan’s relatively diversified economy includes key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, mining, ICT, and financial services. It attracts approximately US\$2 billion in foreign direct investment annually and maintains strong economic and strategic ties with the United States and the Gulf region. The country’s robust industrial exports and its role as a regional logistics and services hub further enhance its appeal as a trade partner.
