A visiting United States congressional delegation led by Representative Jason Smith, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, has discussed economic cooperation, climate-related disasters and parliamentary relations with Nepal’s House of Representatives Speaker Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal.
The meeting covered Nepal-US relations, investment opportunities, disaster management and cooperation between the two countries’ legislatures.
Aryal thanked the United States for its solidarity and assistance following the devastating August 26 floods in the Rasuwa and Bhote Koshi area. He also called for stronger international cooperation to help vulnerable countries prepare for and recover from climate-related disasters.
Nepal calls for stronger economic partnership
During the discussion, Aryal said Nepal-US relations should move beyond traditional grant-based assistance towards greater investment and economic partnership.
He said Nepal was committed to making the policy and legal reforms needed to create an investment-friendly environment and maintain investor confidence.
Smith’s position as chairman of the US House Ways and Means Committee makes the visit relevant to discussions about trade and economic relations. The committee has jurisdiction over taxation, tariffs and international trade.
Further clarification from both governments is needed to determine whether the discussions will lead to concrete economic initiatives.
Flood recovery remains a priority
The August floods caused significant losses and damaged infrastructure in affected areas. The disaster has highlighted Nepal’s need for stronger preparedness, reliable early-warning systems and resources to rebuild damaged communities.
Aryal urged countries with greater financial and technological capacity to cooperate responsibly with disaster-vulnerable nations rather than relying only on grants.
He also briefed the delegation on Nepal’s emergency agenda on climate-related disasters and resilience in vulnerable regions. The agenda was adopted by more than a two-thirds majority at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Arusha, Tanzania, according to the Speaker’s Secretariat.
Parliamentary cooperation
The two sides also discussed strengthening parliamentary relations. Aryal said continued dialogue between US congressional caucuses and the Nepal-US Parliamentary Friendship Group could help promote cooperation.
The visiting lawmakers expressed sympathy over the flood-related losses and said they were willing to continue supporting Nepal’s economic, social, physical and humanitarian development.
The chairs of Nepal’s House of Representatives committees on International Relations and Tourism, and Parliamentary Hearing, also attended the meeting.
What happens next?
The visit has provided an opportunity to discuss investment and climate resilience.
Questions remain about whether the talks will lead to new investment proposals, trade-related initiatives, technical cooperation or additional support for flood-affected communities.
For Nepal, the key issue is whether calls for a stronger economic partnership will result in specific projects, policy steps and measurable commitments.
