KATHMANDU: Spanish investors, entrepreneurs, the Government of Nepal, and the Nepali private sector have emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation during the “Nepal-Spain Business Forum 2026,” held on Monday in Madrid, Spain.

Organized by the Embassy of Nepal in Madrid, the forum aimed to bridge the gap between Spanish investors and the Nepali public and private sectors, with a core focus on expanding trade and investment collaborations.

The event witnessed active participation from government officials and business leaders from both nations.

Welcoming the attendees during the opening session, Chargé d’Affaires Purek Adhikari stated that the forum was designed to reinforce trade ties and build partnerships in sectors showing high potential for cooperation.

He also introduced highly transformative Nepali industries that utilize ethically sourced raw materials and indigenous technologies.

Nabin Raj Sharma, Executive Director of the Trade and Export Promotion Centre, delivered a presentation on the data regarding the Nepal-Spain textile trade, highlighting the vast potential of Nepali textile products in the Spanish market. He also showcased various Nepali textile and readymade garment items that hold strong appeal for Spanish consumers.

Furthermore, Govinda Ghimire, President of the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal (FEEN), and Vice President Devananda Sarawagi shared insights into the history and structure of Nepal-Spain trade. They shed light on the competitive edge of Nepali textiles crafted from natural fibers like Chyangra pashmina, Himalayan sheep wool, hemp, and nettle. They noted that handcrafted silver jewelry, prayer beads (Japamala), and traditional ornaments are increasingly attracting niche international markets.

Pashupati Dev Pandey, President of the Garment Association Nepal, stated that policy and legal reforms have driven remarkable progress in Nepal’s readymade garment industry in recent years. He urged for sustained and continuous collaboration between the business communities of both countries.

Luis Rodríguez, Deputy Director of International Relations at the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, briefed the participants on the dynamics of Spain’s jewelry and fashion sectors, noting that Spanish consumers are drawn to unique international products. He expressed confidence that enhancing business-to-business (B2B) partnerships would significantly strengthen the trade relations between Nepal and Spain.

According to the Embassy of Nepal in Madrid, the event—which concluded with an interactive and networking session—was attended by representatives from the Spanish fashion and jewelry industries, investment promotion agencies, government officials, and the media.