Foreign Minister Calls for Enhanced Role of Honorary Consuls in Economic Diplomacy

Kathmandu. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has called for honorary consuls to play a more active and results-oriented role in the fields of trade, investment, tourism, and technology transfer, promoting economic diplomacy as a key priority of Nepal's foreign policy.

Addressing the 19th Annual General Meeting and Charter Day of the Honorary Consul Corps-Nepal in Kathmandu today, Minister Khanal emphasized the need for honorary consuls to further enhance their contribution to expanding economic partnerships between Nepal and various countries.

Appreciating the role played by honorary consuls in strengthening friendship and economic relations between Nepal and the respective countries, he said, "Your role is extremely important, especially in promoting economic and trade relations between Nepal and the respective countries."

He mentioned that honorary consuls play a significant bridge role in expanding Nepal's relations with countries that do not have residential diplomatic missions in Kathmandu, stating that their contribution to expanding people-to-people, trade, cultural, and institutional relations is commendable.

Stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to facilitating the work of honorary consuls to make it more effective, Minister Khanal said, "The Ministry will take initiatives to review the existing rules, facilities, and working procedures related to honorary consuls in a timely manner and improve them in accordance with national and international legal provisions and practices."

Discussing the current political situation in Nepal, he mentioned that the recent political changes have created a foundation for political stability, policy continuity, and predictability in the country.

Stating that the current government is committed to good governance and inclusive economic development, he said that priority has been given to legal and institutional reforms to control corruption.

Clarifying the main objective of foreign policy, Minister Khanal said, "Nepal's foreign policy will focus on promoting national interests while transforming the economy, attracting investment, expanding trade, promoting innovation, and creating opportunities for citizens."

He stated that expanding strategic partnerships, attracting foreign direct investment, expanding market access, promoting technology partnerships, and promoting tourism and sustainable development have been prioritized in Nepal's international relations.

Mentioning that the role of honorary consuls is becoming increasingly important in the successful implementation of economic diplomacy, Minister Khanal said, "Honorary consuls are indispensable partners in these efforts. You can promote trade, investment, tourism, education, and cultural exchange through your professional networks, local market knowledge, and close relationships with the public and private sectors."

Minister Khanal pointed out the need to transform traditional relationships from mere formality into concrete and measurable achievements and put forward three priorities for honorary consuls.

According to him, each honorary consul general will have to prepare a country-specific strategic action plan focused on areas such as tourism, technology transfer, foreign direct investment, renewable energy, and trade facilitation for the country under their responsibility.

Urging the regular organization of business-to-business (B2B) programs to promote trade and investment, he said, "We need to transform our long-standing cordial relationship into concrete and measurable achievements now."

Emphasizing the need to make consular services citizen-friendly, easy, and effective, Minister Khanal said, "As public servants, we must be sensitive to the expectations of citizens. I urge all members to ensure easy, effective, responsive, and citizen-friendly services. Quality service delivery further strengthens bilateral relations."

He also urged honorary consuls to further strengthen people-to-people relations by expanding exchanges in education, culture, and youth. He also expressed confidence that diplomatic missions abroad, honorary consuls abroad, recognized foreign missions in Nepal, and foreign honorary consuls in Kathmandu can further strengthen mutually beneficial economic partnerships by expanding cooperation between the private sectors.

Minister Khanal reiterated the call to further emphasize the shared commitment to international friendship, economic cooperation, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, and highly praised the contributions made by honorary consuls.

He wished success for the 19th Annual General Meeting and expressed confidence that the Honorary Consul Corps-Nepal will continue to play a significant role in further strengthening Nepal's economic diplomacy, trade relations, and international cooperation in the days to come.