Kathmandu, Aug. 28 -- Nepal received record-high foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments in the past fiscal year, which ended mid-July. But despite the promises, the actual inflow of FDI was less than a fifth of the pledged amount, underlining a long-standing challenge in the country's investment climate.

According to Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank, net FDI stood at Rs12.02 billion last fiscal year, against commitments of Rs64.96 billion.

The inflow was an improvement of 41.91 percent compared to the previous year, but the gap between commitments and realisation continues to be glaring.

Experts say procedural delays, outdated laws, and rampant corruption are the key reasons behind this mismatch. "Foreign investors will no long...