NRNA Concludes 12th World Convention, Issues 12-Point Kathmandu Declaration

The 12th World Convention and Grand International General Assembly of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) concluded on Monday, issuing a 12-point Kathmandu Declaration.

Under the central theme 'Our Unity, The Foundation of Prosperity,' the convention, which began on Falgun 30, resolved to unite for Nepal's economic prosperity and ensure the rights of non-resident Nepalis.

The declaration issued by the convention strongly demanded that the government remove existing legal complexities to simplify and facilitate investment by non-resident Nepalis in Nepal.

The convention urged for the creation of an investment-friendly environment by amending laws such as the NRNA Act, Citizenship Act, Income Tax Act, and Foreign Investment and Technology Transfer Act. Furthermore, it demanded that the limit for securities issued by the 'NRNA Nepal Development Fund,' established through joint investment by the Government of Nepal and NRNA, be maintained at 85 percent.

The declaration called for legal and policy reforms to effectively implement the right to non-resident Nepali citizenship provided by the constitution. Specifically, the association drew the government's attention to amending the Citizenship Act as soon as possible to allow the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights.

The convention expressed serious concern over the current situation in the Middle East and pledged to collaborate with the government and international bodies for the safety, relief, and rescue of Nepali workers in crisis there.

The declaration also prioritized policy reform initiatives to ensure the dignity and rights of workers employed abroad.

A resolution was also passed to promote Nepali language, art, and culture to connect the second generation of Nepalis born in the diaspora with their motherland, and to bring the knowledge and technology of Nepali experts worldwide into Nepal's development. The association plans to encourage investment in sectors such as tourism promotion, hydropower, agriculture, and information technology.

A total of 4,286 representatives participated in the convention through physical and virtual means. The convention, inaugurated by Foreign Minister Bhalananda Sharma, was attended by various ministers, former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, high-ranking government officials, and investor and worker representatives from around the world.

Similarly, addressing the closing ceremony of the convention, Prime Minister Sushila Karki stated that the unity within NRNA has sparked new hope for the country's development. She expressed the government's commitment to always support the mobilization of the knowledge, skills, and capital of Nepalis living abroad for the benefit of the motherland.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that this unified convention, held following the 10-point agreement in Mangsir last year, has provided institutional stability to the association. A new working committee under the leadership of Hemraj Sharma has been elected from the convention.