LAHORE (special crosspondent) – The Ambassador of Nepal, Rita Dhital, has underscored the urgent need for the restoration of direct air connectivity between Pakistan and Nepal, a vital link that has remained suspended since 2011. During an interactive session at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ambassador Dhital emphasized that revitalizing air travel, alongside frequent exchanges of trade delegations and the organization of single-country exhibitions, is essential to unlocking the true potential of bilateral trade, investment, and tourism.

Historical Connectivity and Investment Potential

Recalling the historical context, the Ambassador noted that Nepal Airlines previously operated flights to Karachi, while Pakistan International Airlines maintained routes from Islamabad to Kathmandu until the services were halted thirteen years ago. She asserted that direct flights would serve as a catalyst for business travel and enhanced people-to-people contacts. Ambassador Dhital extended a formal invitation to the Pakistani business community to explore investment opportunities in Nepal, particularly within the tourism, hospitality, hydropower, clean energy, and information technology sectors.

LCCI Perspectives on Bilateral Trade

LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol extended a warm welcome to the Ambassador, highlighting the deep-rooted diplomatic ties between the two nations that have flourished since 1960. Acknowledging both countries’ status as members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), President Saigol reiterated the LCCI’s commitment to regional peace and the promotion of economic cooperation. The meeting included participation from notable business leaders, including former LCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar and Vice President Khurram Lodhi, alongside other executive committee members. President Saigol expressed concern that the current bilateral trade volume, which averages slightly above US$4 million, fails to reflect the strength of the existing diplomatic relationship. Referring to State Bank of Pakistan trade data, he noted that Pakistan’s exports to Nepal in 2025-26 were valued at approximately US$1.4 million, while imports reached US$2.8 million. The LCCI president suggested that with strategic initiatives, this volume could be significantly increased.

Strategic Cooperation in Tourism and Trade

Highlighting the natural synergy between the two countries, President Saigol pointed to the potential for joint ventures in ecotourism. He noted that with Nepal home to Mount Everest and Pakistan boasting the majestic K2, a collaborative effort could establish a prominent ‘South Asian adventure tourism corridor.’ Ambassador Dhital, reflecting on the 1982 trade agreement and subsequent diplomatic frameworks such as the 1983 Joint Economic Commission, urged the private sector to move beyond government-level agreements. She emphasized that the business community bears the responsibility of transforming memoranda of understanding into tangible economic reality. She highlighted that Pakistani investors have previously found success in Nepal’s textile, hotel, and banking sectors. For future cooperation, she identified textiles, leather goods, and surgical equipment as key Pakistani exports, while pointing to Nepali tea, coffee, herbs, and handicrafts as prime import candidates. The Ambassador concluded by encouraging the LCCI to lead a trade delegation to Nepal, offering full Embassy support for B2B matchmaking. She also highlighted that Pakistani citizens currently benefit from a visa-on-arrival policy at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, with the first 30-day visa in a calendar year provided free of charge.