AmCham Nepal Earns Accreditation from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal) has been accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a move that could boost foreign investment in Nepal. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business organization, with over 3 million member companies globally. At a ceremony in Washington D.C. on Thursday, U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President for South Asia Atul Kashyap presented the accreditation certificate to AmCham Nepal President Ajit Shah.

Shah said earning official chapter status with the U.S. Chamber just two years after AmCham Nepal's founding is a historic achievement. He believes it will be a milestone for attracting more foreign direct investment into Nepal by opening access to the Chamber's extensive corporate network.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham Nepal) acts as a voice for US businesses operating in the country. The group's main aim is to help create conditions that allow member companies to thrive. AmCham Nepal actively talks with Nepali policymakers about issues impacting the business climate. They give American firms a platform to make sure their concerns are heard loud and clear. The goal is to push for changes that will improve the operating environment for US companies in Nepal. The chamber also provides awesome networking opportunities for members to connect with key political and industry leaders in formal settings or more social ones. AmCham Nepal keeps relationships going with similar groups back in the States too, to help generate new US-Nepal business partnerships and opportunities. By bringing American companies in Nepal together, AmCham gives them a chance to directly share their priorities with decision-makers. The organization also helps exchange information between the two countries so everyone gets a better handle on the economic potential out there.

AmCham Nepal will host a U.S.-Nepal Economic Summit in Nepal next year, bringing together American companies and AmCham members worldwide. Currently, U.S. investment is flowing into Nepal's energy, IT, and tourism sectors. Nepal's Foreign Minister and the U.S. Ambassador emphasized the need for more U.S. government and private sector investment in areas like energy. U.S. Chamber Senior VP Kashyap acknowledged Nepal's potential in green energy and the importance of capitalizing on it. Nepali Ambassador to the U.S. Sridhar Khatri said accreditation could spur up to $1 billion in IT investment and create 1 million youth jobs. AmCham Nepal will focus on IT skills development and a tax treaty between the countries.