KATHMANDU: President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Saturday urged the non-resident Nepalis to invest in their motherland.

Inaugurating the eighth Global Conference of the Non-Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) in the Capital today, President Bhandari said the time was ripe to invest in Nepal.

"Following the promulgation of the constitution, Nepal is entering a phase of economic development, and NRNA should be a part of it," President Bhandari said. "There is favourable atmosphere for investment in tourism, hydropower, education, health and infrastructure in Nepal."

Stating that Nepalis abroad can take pride in Nepal's prosperity, the President also lauded the role played by the NRNA in the post-earthquake and landslide relief, rescue and reconstruction work in the country.

On the same occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara said a special role of NRNA was expected in the development of Nepal. "The knowledge, skills and capital gained abroad should serve as energy for Nepal's development."

President of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Bhawani Rana, founder President of NRNA Dr Upendra Mahato and NRNA President Shesh Ghale expressed the commitment to contribute from their respective part in the development of the nation.

The NRNA brings together around 70,000 Nepalis living in 77 different countries around the world.

The convention will elect a new leadership for the Association.

Bhuvan Bhatta, Jamuna Gurung and TB Karki are in the fray for the post of president in the conference that will end on October 17.