I would like to welcome all of you at this interactive workshop on Nepal’s Export Trade: Status, Challenges and Opportunities.
This workshop is jointly organised by the Department of Economic Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Honorary Consular Corps – Nepal (HCCN).
It marks the beginning of a planned engagement between Nepal’s diplomatic institutions and private sector stakeholders.
I believe this is a significant and necessary step forward.
Let me begin by highlighting the role and potential of the HCCN.
We have a global presence in over 64 countries, and most of our members come from strong business and economic backgrounds.
We are not just individuals but representatives of the 64 countries and are already involved in trade, tourism, investment, and economic partnerships.
We represent Nepal abroad at no cost to the government, using our own time, networks, and resources.
HCCN is a powerful network. Nepal can utilize.
I believe the Government of Nepal has a unique opportunity to leverage the HCCN network more strategically—to
promote trade,
attract investment,
grow tourism,
and build stronger bilateral relations.
This partnership is not about aids or donations.
It is about trust and collaboration—and about seeing the honorary consuls not as symbolic positions but as practical economic ambassadors.
Let us make this shift in mindset.
We are ready to work as a bridge between Nepal and the global economy.
With our reach and reputation, we can play a strong role in promoting Nepal as a place of opportunity.
We can also mobilize the Nepali diaspora, who are another vital asset.
Their knowledge, capital, and global experience can help fuel our national development—if we engage with them truly.
Furthermore, the countries represented by HCCN have also stood by Nepal in difficult times—whether it was during earthquakes, floods, or other crises.
Their support has been generous and deeply appreciated. This history of solidarity gives even greater strength to our shared commitment going forward.
In this context, I want to sincerely thank Hon’ble Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their openness and vision.
The establishment of Department of Economic Diplomacy is a very welcome step.
It shows that Nepal is beginning to align its foreign policy with economic opportunity.
This department can be a catalyst for new partnerships and better coordination between missions abroad and the private sector.
At FNCCI, we have been providing economic diplomacy orientation to newly appointed ambassadors.
We are happy to continue and expand this collaboration now that there is a dedicated department in place.
We know that economic diplomacy is not just about trade—
it includes tourism,
labor mobility,
technology,
investment,
and branding.
It touches everything. And it requires a joint action.
The private sector is not just a passenger in this journey—it is the engine.
We contribute over 81% of GDP and provide over 86% of employment.
Yet, too often, we are undervalued, mistrusted, or misunderstood.
Let me be clear—we are not asking for funds.
We are asking for respect, recognition, and a seat at the table.
These do not cost anything—but they mean everything.
A more positive and cooperative attitude toward the private sector can unlock new energy and help our economy grow faster.
We have seen good examples in the past.
During Prime Ministerial visits to countries like India, China, and the UAE, we have organized large business summits successfully.
These platforms have helped promote Nepal as a destination for investment and economic cooperation.
We hope that with the support of the new Economic Diplomacy Department, such efforts can be better coordinated and more impactful in the future.
In closing, let me emphasize:
Economic diplomacy is not the job of diplomats alone.
It is a shared mission—between government, private sector, and international friends.
It is about networking, negotiating, and nation-building.
Let us move forward—together—with trust, commitment, and shared purpose.
Speech of Chandra Prasad Dhakal at an interactive workshop on Nepal’s Export Trade: Status, Challenges and Opportunities
