Kathmandu, July 23: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal urged the honorary consuls to play instrumental role in bolstering economic diplomacy with adequate attention to the areas of trade, investment, tourism and technology transfer.
Minister Khanal said it while addressing a programme organized here on the occasion of the 19th Annual General Meeting and Charter Day of the Honorary Consul Corps-Nepal on Thursday. Minister Khanal viewed the honorary consuls could play significant role in expanding economic partnership between Nepal and various countries.
Appreciating the role the honorary consuls have played in strengthening friendship and economic relations between Nepal and the concerned countries, Khanal said, “They have vital contribution in promoting economic and trade relations between Nepal and the concerned countries.” Contribution in building relations at people-to-people level, trade, culture and institutional relations counts much.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to providing essential facilitation to support the work of honorary consuls, Minister Khanal said, “The Ministry adopts measures for reform in the existing rules, facilities and working procedures related to honorary consuls in a timely manner. Government reviews the existing rules, facilities and working procedures in line with national and international legal systems and practices.”
The Minister also shed light on the present political situation in Nepal, arguing that recent political changes have created a foundation for political stability, policy consistence and predictability in the country. He also shared government’s commitment to good governance and inclusive economic development, for which legal and institutional reforms were forwarded.
“Nepal’s foreign policy focuses on promotion of national interests, economic transformation, investment attraction, trade expansion, innovation promotion and creation of opportunities for citizens,” Khanal underscored. Expansion of strategic partnerships and market access, attraction to foreign direct investment, promotion of tech transfer, and tourism and sustainable development are taken as major priorities in Nepal’s international relations, according to him.
With this, the Minister stressed, “Honorary consuls are vital partners in such efforts. So, you can work for spurring trade, investment, tourism, education and cultural exchange through your professional networks, local market knowledge and close ties with the public and private sectors.”
Minister Khanal extended best wishes for the success of the event. He believed the Honorary Consul Corps-Nepal would play instrumental role in strengthening Nepal’s economic diplomacy, trade relations and international cooperation in the days ahead.
