Himalayan Hydro Expo 2018 was hosted by Nepal.

Explanation:
Nepal, a landlocked country located in South Asia, hosted the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2018. This expo focused on the promotion and development of hydropower in the Himalayan region. Let's delve into the details:

Importance of Hydropower in the Himalayan Region:
- The Himalayan region is rich in water resources, with numerous rivers and streams flowing through its mountainous terrain.
- Hydropower has immense potential in this region due to the high altitude and the availability of water resources.
- It is a clean and renewable energy source that can contribute significantly to the region's energy needs.

Objective of the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2018:
- The expo aimed to provide a platform for stakeholders in the hydropower sector to come together, share knowledge, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
- It aimed to showcase the latest technologies, equipment, and services related to hydropower.
- The expo also aimed to promote investment in the hydropower sector and attract both domestic and international investors.

Key Highlights of the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2018:
- The expo featured exhibitions from various companies, showcasing their products, services, and technologies related to hydropower.
- It included panel discussions, seminars, and workshops on topics such as project development, financing, and environmental sustainability in the hydropower sector.
- The expo also provided a networking platform for industry professionals, government officials, investors, and other stakeholders to interact and discuss potential collaborations.

Significance of Hosting the Expo in Nepal:
- Nepal has significant hydropower potential, with an estimated capacity of around 83,000 megawatts (MW).
- However, the country has only been able to harness a small fraction of this potential so far.
- By hosting the Himalayan Hydro Expo, Nepal aimed to attract investment and promote the development of its hydropower sector.
- The expo provided an opportunity to showcase Nepal's hydropower projects, policies, and regulations, encouraging both domestic and international investors to explore the country's potential.

In conclusion, Nepal hosted the Himalayan Hydro Expo 2018 to promote the development of hydropower in the Himalayan region, showcase the latest technologies, and attract investment in the sector.