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KATHMANDU: Speakers at a programme stressed the need for cooperation between private sector and Nepali diplomatic missions for foreign investment and export promotion in the wake of challenging time for national economy.
During a discussion organised by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) on 'Cooperation between Nepali embassies and private sector for economic diplomacy' on Sunday, the speakers viewed the Nepali missions abroad could cooperate with private sectors for effective economic diplomacy.
Addressing the discussion, Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud opined that private sector has a major role in export promotion, tourism development and attraction of foreign investment. He urged Nepali ambassadors appointed to different countries to collaborate with private sector in a bid for the country's development and prosperity. Both domestic and foreign investments are imperative for Nepal, he added.
Advisor to the National Security Council and former chief secretary Shanker Das Bairagi suggested that diplomatic missions could expand their ambit and work in alliance with private sector.
On the occasion, Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal opined that the multilateral bodies could be approached for expanding economic diplomacy. The private sector also needs diversifying commodities and markets, he said.
Finance Secretary Arjun Prasad Pokharel said the government will allocate budget for expanding economic diplomacy.
According to Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Madhu Kumar Marasini, Nepal is in need of augmenting its role in World Trade Organisation (WTO). The time has come to analyse the impact of the country getting graduated from LDC, he said.
Secretary at Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Kewal Prasad Bhandari, suggested that the 'economic diplomacy' be termed 'labour diplomacy'.
Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Bharatmani Subedi suggested that the ambassadors should play the role in boosting tourism and economy by operating new international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa.
FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal said if Nepali missions abroad show willingness for change, it will help boost the country's economy. "In the emerging and developing countries, ambassadors are evaluated based on their roles in expansion of trade and promotion of investment and tourism," he opined.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed ambassadors, ambassador to Thailand, Dhan Bahadur Oli, said they were ready to listen to the private sector's suggestion, and urged the private sector to furnish suggestions being focused on issues, he added.
Former President of FNCCI, Shekhar Golchha, said all sorts of opportunities should be created for expanding entrepreneurship and business.
