A
Report
on
Briefing-cum-Interaction Programme
for the newly appointed Nepalese Ambassadors
and Consul Generals (Designate) to Different Missions Abroad
Organised by: Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA)
Venue: Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI) Hall, Tripureshwor, Kathmandu
Date: November 5-8, 2009
With a view to creating a forum for the newly appointed Nepalese ambassadors and consul generals to different missions abroad to familiarize them with various national issues and providing them with updated data and information on a wide range of subject matters, the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), organized a three-day briefing-cum-interaction programme at the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI) Hall at Tripureshwor, Kathmandu on the 5th, 6th and 8th of November 2009.
A total of 11 participants (10 ambassadors and one consul general) took part in the interactive gathering. Altogether 17 resource persons and experts from different fields made their comprehensive presentations ranging from the ongoing peace and constitution drafting processes in Nepal, the government's policies on trade, foreign employment, hydropower diplomacy, the upcoming three-year-perspective plan, economic diplomacy and women's issues to protocol and consular practices. The erudite presentations and deliberations were followed by brainstorming discussions between and among experts and participant envoys.
Inaugural Session (5th of November)
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala was the chief guest at the inaugural session of the three-day briefing-cum-interaction programme organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) for the newly appointed Nepalese envoys to different countries.
A total of nine ambassadors and one consul general attended the programme, which was organized at the Hall of the Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI) at Tripureshwor, Kathmandu on November 5, 2009.
Foreign Secretary Dr. Madan Kumar Bhattarai was the guest of honour at the inaugural session.
Upon the arrival of the chief guest, the guest of honour, participating envoys and other invitees, Executive Director of IFA Prof. Dr. Gopal Prasad Pokharel, who chaired the opening session, presented floral bouquets to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.
The chief guest inaugurated the programme by lighting a traditional lamp.
Delivering her inaugural remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Madame Koirala emphasized the need for the newly appointed Nepalese ambassadors to enhance the country's image abroad.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Nepal could reap a lot of benefits from dynamic leadership and creative performances of the Nepalese ambassadors in the missions abroad.
She expressed her full confidence that the envoys would carry out their responsibilities of gathering necessary international support and cooperation for taking the ongoing peace process to a logical conclusion, rebuilding of the nation and sustainable development in a successful manner.
She said that as Nepal has been assigned to chair the group of 45 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) for the next three years, it is an important opportunity for the country to show its efficiency and enhance the international image.
Recollecting Nepal's significant contributions to the United Nations peacekeeping mission and positive roles played by the country in various agencies of the global body, she asked the envoys to remain effortful for promoting the concept of economic diplomacy.
She also urged them to take up the issues of Nepali migrants seriously and to explore additional foreign employment markets.
She hoped that the gathering would be a valuable forum for them to share their experiences and develop a common approach to promoting and developing the country.
Foreign Secretary and guest of honour of the programme, Dr. Bhattarai, believed that the newly appointed envoys would make necessary efforts to enhance Nepal 's image at the international arena and gather necessary international support for the country's overall development.
Dr. Bhattarai assured the envoys that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would extend all required support and cooperation to them for making their efforts more result-oriented.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Pokharel said that the programme would be beneficial for both envoys and resource persons, as it would be a valuable forum for them to share their ideas and experiences.
Shedding light on the programme's objectives, he stressed the need to promote the country's foreign policy by laying much emphasis on core national interests.
Speaking from the chair, he hoped that the envoys would promote the country's interests abroad in a more effective manner.
At the end of the inaugural session, Ms. Anjan Shakya, Deputy Executive Director of IFA, delivered her vote of thanks to the chief guest, the guest of honour, envoys and other invitees.
Ms. Shakya hoped that the envoys would make extra efforts to expand Nepal's international trade and promote the tourism industry abroad.
Working Session
The inaugural session was followed by the working session. Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, member of the Constituent Assembly of the Nepali Congress and former Finance Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Ram Janam Chaudhari, the chief whip of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (Loktantrik) made their presentations on ‘Peace Process, Constitution Writing, Political Development vis-à-vis Foreign Policy of Nepal in the Changed Context.'
In his presentation, Dr. Mahat asked the envoys to concentrate their efforts on tourism promotion, development assistance, and exploration of labour markets and promotion of export trade. "Our focus should be output-oriented and goodwill generating," he said.
He also suggested that they should have work plans and work in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The Ministry must respond to the missions.
Talking about the peace process, he said that the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist gave up its decade-long armed insurgency after making peace deals with the then seven parties. "In peace deal, there is no win and no loss. So, the Maoists have taken it as an anti-revolution. This is the approach of revolutionaries," he said.
Highlighting the issues raised by the Maoists, he said that they were for the CA elections, ending the monarchy, writing a new constitution and restructuring the state. "With the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA), they renounced violence. They also gave up Maoism and came to the pluralistic political system," he said.
He said that social and economic agendas differ from one party to another. "Gender and ethnicity could also play roles. Political consensus is a must to complete the ongoing peace process," he said.
Regarding federalism, he said, "We have accepted federalism. But we have not held enough debates and discussions on it. The people have very little knowledge about it. This was also not the mandate of the Janaandolan II."
According to him, some of NC leaders have floated the idea of dividing the country into 15-16 federal states. "In my opinion, only 3-4 states are viable. The federal states should be multi-ethnic and economically viable and sustainable. Ethnic harmony should not be disturbed while dividing the states," he suggested.
He said that a powerful state restructuring commission should be formed for making recommendations for the division of federal states. "The commission will have to take state revenues and taxes into serious consideration while making its recommendation," he said.
He said that the concepts of ‘One Madhes, One Province' and the ‘Himali State' will not be practical in terms of revenue and resource mobilization.
"Therefore, the state should accord top priority for seeking solution to the issue of federalism," he said.
Floor Discussion
Dr. Shankar Sharma, the Nepalese Ambassador to the United States, said that it might be impossible politically and technically for Nepal to accomplish the task of writing the new constitution within the stipulated timeframe. He asked Dr. Mahat how the envoys would have to respond to the people abroad about it. He also asked Dr. Mahat how they could take help from foreign think-tanks to complete the peace process in the country.
Answering the questions, Dr. Mahat conceded that the new constitution could not be drafted in the next seven months if it were to be made by the Constituent Assembly (CA). He further said that the people's aspirations were soaring like anything, as the political parties had made a lot of assurances.
Dr. Mahat suggested that the envoys should request the international community to provide Nepal with funds for the development of physical infrastructure, but not for social engineering. He said that the donors needed to inject funds into the country only through the government. "We need support for hydropower projects, irrigation schemes, health and sanitation and education. But donors seem to be interested in providing money for empowerment," he said.
He also stressed the need for the envoys to make efforts to garner political support and development assistance. "We should discourage support in soft areas," he said.
Gyan Chandra Acharya, Permanent Representative of Nepal to UN Mission in New York, said that Nepal needed to ask the international community for support in economic areas. "What are the areas we need to focus on?" Acharya asked.
He also asked the speaker how Nepal needed to raise agendas of the conflict-hit and post-conflict countries, as the country was chairing the forum of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
He also observed that there could be qualitative views at the LDCs' forum if UN had high political commitment.
Dr. Mahat replied that the Special Committee has become ineffective following the political change in the country. "The Prime Minister now does not have time. The breach of understanding has impacted this process. The political parties had reached a consensus that they would leak out differences seen among members of the committee. But the Unified Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist has not followed it," he said.
He, however, said that there was understanding among the political parties, as the UCPN-Maoist had become flexible.
Regarding the issue of post-conflict, he said that donors had renewed their interest in Nepal due to the country's international image. He stressed that Nepal needed international support and assistance for infrastructure development that eventually would help the economic sector and raise the level of confidence.
He said that the envoys should attempt to attract international assistance for social investments such as electrification and drinking water. "As social impact of electrification is very high, we have to develop large projects," he said.
He also asked the envoys to raise the vital issue of climate change. "Despite growing per capita income in the Maldives, the country often says that it is vulnerable due to topographic conditions. We also focus on the issue of global warming, as our mountains are losing snow. Crop patterns have also changed. So, we have to garner support for carrying out researches on this issue," he said.
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, asked Dr. Mahat how the ambassadors should convey the message to the international community about the country's peace and constitution drafting process, as it has not been going on smoothly.
Shah also suggested that Nepal should learn from Brazil, India, Australia and other countries where there is federalism while restructuring the state. He also said that the state restructuring committee needs to have concerned experts besides CA members.
He also observed that observed that the Nepalese missions abroad need to formulate their work plans, but the missions lack project budget.
Addressing envoy Shah's queries, Dr. Mahat said that it will not an easy task to draft the new constitution after the decade-long conflict in Nepal where there more than 100 ethnic groups. "Realistically speaking, it will take much more time than we have envisaged," he said.
Regarding federalism, he said that the concept is not clear. "Nepal is a sovereign state. When we divided the state into several provinces, they will not be strong economically," he added.
He said that the Swiss model of federalism could be viable. "I think, we need federalism with unitary features. Now we cannot say what type of federalism we are adopting," he said.
Sushil Chandra Amatya, the Nepalese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, said that the delayed peace process in Nepal has not only sent a negative message to the international arena but has also created distastes and frustrations among the Nepalese people.
Amatya said that the political parties have not abided by the 12-point agreement. He complained that event senior leaders of different political parties have said that the constitution would not be drafted on time. "Various committees have been formed and members of these bodies have been visiting districts to collect suggestions from the people for writing the constitution. Political leadership now needs to pay due attention toward the peace process and the task of statute drafting," he suggested.
Responding to Amatya's comments, Dr. Mahat said that it was easier to reach understanding principally. "But it is not easy while working in specific areas, as the issues are very complex," he said.
He further said that the process of constitution drafting has been slowed down due to the breaking down of political understanding. "However, political leaderships have started to realize this," he said.
Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, the Nepalese Ambassador to Canada, said that the peace process has not been moving ahead in a smooth manner due to political misunderstanding.
"Earlier, the process was delayed because the Nepali Congress did not join the Maoist-led government. Now the process is not smooth because of the Maoists," he observed.
Dr. Mahat clarified that his party did not join the Maoist-led government considering the sentiments of its cadres.
Making his presentation, Ram Janam Chaudhari, Chief Whip of the Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-MJF (Loktantrik) in the CA, said that the peace process has not been moving ahead as expected due to political polarization and misunderstanding among the political parties, especially the Nepali Congress and the UCPN-Maoist.
Chaudhari said that the political parties should reach an understanding on the issue of federalism and work out its modality. "The existing five-zone modality has not been successful in the country," he said.
He said that the big parties have a crucial role to play in completing the peace process, drafting the new constitution and establishing permanent peace in the country.
"The 22 political parties and the UCN-Maoist have to reach a new agreement and understanding to make an end to the ongoing conflict and political chaos," he said.
Floor Discussion
Sushil Chandra Amatya, the Nepalese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, said that the federal states should be divided in such a way that all of them have resources.
Chaudhari said that all the Madhes-based parties, including MJF-Loktantrik, have been in favour of ‘One Madhes, One Province.'
He said that all sorts of social and cultural discriminations should be eliminated.
In his presentation, K. P. Sharma Oli, former Senior Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, shed light on Nepal's roles in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the United Nations (UN).
The senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) said that Nepal has been successful in maintained a balanced and cordial relations with the two immediate neighbours—India and China—having different socio-cultural and economic conditions.
"Even during the Cold War period, Nepal played an impartial role. We have adhered to the principle of nonalignment and played roles in global as well as regional forums," he said.
He said that Nepal's foreign policy has remained effective, to a great extent, in promoting friendly ties with many countries. "Our foreign policy is based on our national interest, UN Charter, principle of nonalignment and Panchasheela," he said.
He said that Nepal had some basic principles in the past. "Those principles are still with us. As an underdeveloped country, we seek foreign assistance for building infrastructures such as schools, hospitals, roads and so on," he said.
Highlighting refugee problems, he said that Nepal received Tibetan refugees after 1959. "We also faced the problem of Bhutanese refugees following 1989," he said.
He said that Nepal thought of resettling the Bhutanese refugees in the third-countries, as Bhutan was not in favour of settling the problem through repatriation process.
"When I was in the 61st General Assembly of UN, I had met many personalities from different countries. The issue of third-country resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees was raised," he said.
He said that the third-country resettlement was one of the options for addressing the problem. "When the refugees could not return home for 20 years, we had to seek an alternative way to resolve the problem," he added.
The refugees were leading a difficult life at camps.
"During the monarchial regime, roles were played to protect the monarchy. But in the changed context, foreign policy is being utilized in favour of the people, the country and peace," he said.
He further said that changes have taken place in policy matters after the restoration of democracy in the country. "The concept of economic diplomacy is not something new," he said.
He urged the envoys to lay emphasis on issues such as global warming, global economic crisis, economic diplomacy and other issues related to the interest of the country, the people and democracy," he said.
He asked them to make efforts to attract foreign investments in various infrastructures. "We need to go for build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) system. We also have to be self-reliant, make economic progress and sustainable development," he said.
He advised the envoys not to take initiative to add burden of loans to the country. Instead of taking loans, we need to promote trade and tourism," he said.
Talking about the growing incidents of foreign interferences in Nepal's internal affairs, he asked them to remain conscious about such interventions.
He said that as a conflict-hit country, Nepal needed international support and cooperation for completing the peace process and drafting the new constitution. "We have to address social, racial and gender-based conflict. We also need to bring the armed insurgent groups to the peace process," he said.
Referring to the issue of integration of the Maoist armies into the Nepal Army, he said that the issue was irrelevant. "There was an understanding to adjust the Maoist armies. There was no any consensus to integrate the Maoist combatants into the national army," he said.
Citing an example of East Timor, where the rebel group's combatants were integrated to the national army, he said that the party's armies cannot be the national army. "We must learn lessons from East Timor where the rebel's armies do not abide by rules and regulations of the national army," he said.
Dwelling on the issue of federalism, he said that the matter needs to be discussed extensively before making any decision. He informed that only 25 of 192 member states of the UN are federal ones.
"As the issue of federalism is very serious, we must not take it in a sentimental way," he said.
He said that the state restructuring should be in the interest of the country and the people.
Floor Discussion
Dr. Shankar Sharma, the Nepalese Ambassador to the United States, said that as there were differences between the coalition partners and the UCPN-Maoist, it would be difficult for them to reach a consensus for completing the peace process and writing the new constitution. "In such a situation, how should we deal with this issue diplomatically?" Dr. Sharma asked leader Oli.
Responding to his question, Oli assured that the various committees were carrying out their duties accordingly. "But there is a problem of harmonization due to the rifts between the coalition partners and the UCPN-Maoist," he said.
He further said that managing combatants was a major problem for the former rebel party, but it was saying something different for public consumption. "The real combatants are not inside the cantonments. They are now members of the Young Communist League (YCL)," he said.
The problem can be settled through holding talks and adopting a realistic approach, he said.
Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, the Nepalese Ambassador to Canada, asked Oli how they could believe that the differences among parties were a temporary phenomenon.
Oli said that the UCPN-Maoist had come to the peace process by quitting its so-called ‘Great People's War.' "The party has realised that the path it had adopted previously was wrong," he said.
Working Session
In the second working session, Prachanda Man Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Karna Sakya, renowned tourism entrepreneur, made their presentations on the government's tourism and civil aviation policies, and tourism, culture and hotel management respectively. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Gopal Prasad Pokharel, Executive Director of IFA.
In his elaborate presentation, Shrestha shed light on tourism goals, its present status, economic contributions, challenges, the government's commitments, Nepal Tourism Year 2011 and a wide range of tourism products Nepal has on offer.
According to him, Nepal recorded 526,705 international arrivals in 2007 with 360,713 by air. In 2008, the number of international tourists visiting Nepal decreased to 5,00,277 with 3,74,661 by air.
Nepal made a gross foreign exchange earning of US$ 230.6 million in 2007 and US$ 350 million in 2008. The Nepalese tourism industry has provided jobs for around 237,000 people.
He asked the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to fulfill the absence of the physical presence of the country's tourism industry and assign tourism desk/travel advisory to enhance Nepal's destination image. He suggested that the missions should update mailing list to disseminate information about Nepal, hold regular meetings with foreign tour operators and journalists, give human touch on grievances, facilitate visas, coordinate with various partners, including Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs), friendship associations, bilateral trade agencies, etc., and mobilize partners for resources to promote Nepal as a premier tourist destination.
He also highlighted various efforts being made by NTB for tourism promotion.
He said that the missions need to work for increasing the number of tourists from the specific markets. "Missions should serve as a bridge between the market and the destination," he said.
Speaking about the upcoming Nepal Tourism Year 2011, he said that the event aims to bring in one million international tourists. "The missions can categorically fix the target on number of tourists to show their share on the event's target," he said.
In his presentation, Karna Sakya requested the envoys to promote the positive aspects of the country abroad. "You must have a dream and capacity to translate the dream into action," Sakya said.
Sakya said that tourism is a dream business. "Tourism is an ever changing and never ending process," he said.
He said that the Nepalese tourism industry had started since 1950s. "The Hippie tourism was in Nepal from 1960-70. "Adventure/wildlife tourism had flourished in the 1970s. The 1980s witnessed the development of cultural tourism. We are pioneer of eco-tourism that began in 1990," he said.
He said that Nepal's community forests are considered to be the world's best ones. "Our wildlife tourism is the second after Africa," he said.
Highlighting the endemic tourism products in Nepal, he said that no destination in the world can compete with Nepal. "We are not only rich in biodiversity but also the most hospitable and ever-smiling people," he said.
Floor Discussion
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, stressed the need to promote Nepal's tourism resources in more countries and called for carrying out maintenance works of monuments and heritage sites outside the Kathmandu Valley as well.
Showing his keen interest in promoting Nepal in Brazil, he hoped that he would receive necessary support and cooperation from NTB and other institutions.
He also suggested that Nepal should join hands with the Maldives to promote both the countries in the international market, as they hold complementary products.
He said that Nepal needed to attract more international airlines to utilize the Nepalese sky.
He also stressed the need for the political parties to reach a consensus to make an end to strikes and blockades, since tourism is an economic mainstay in Nepal.
He wanted to know about prospects of bilateral tourism promotion between Nepal and Brazil. He assured that he would remain effortful in organizing familiarization trips of Brazilian tour operators and journalists in Nepal.
Rukma Shumshere Rana, the Nepalese Ambassador to India, said that Nepal could attract a large number of tourists from India by capitalizing on the people's smiling faces and friendliness, as the southern neighbour has been one of the most tourism-oriented countries in the world.
Rana assured that he would assign one of the staff members to look after tourism.
He asked Shrestha and Sakya how the embassy could contribute to promoting Nepal in India in a more effective way.
Madhuban Poudel, the Nepalese Ambassador to Kuwait, asked the paper presenters how the embassy based in Kuwait could tap the Middle East market.
Arun Dhital, the Nepalese Ambassador to South Africa, also expressed his interest in organizing familiarization trips of tour operators and journalists from South Africa for promoting Nepal as a tourist destination.
Responding the queries, Shrestha said that the convention tourism markets such as the US, Western European countries and Japan contribute around 45 per cent of total tourist arrivals in Nepal. "India and China are potential markets. South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Middle East, among others, are emerging markets," he said.
He said that it was not possible for Nepal and the Maldives to work together to promote the two countries jointly in the international market. "The Maldives has given different islands to various foreign companies to promote them," he said.
He further said that the Indian tourists would account for around 40 per cent of the total foreign tourists in Nepal in the past. "But arrivals from India have decreased," he said.
He, however, informed that efforts were underway to include Nepal in the list of holiday destinations of the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Scheme, which the Indian government has introduced for its civil servants.
He also assured the envoys that NTB would be making available publicity materials to the Nepalese missions abroad for tourism promotion. "We will also work together with the missions for organizing familiarization trips for foreign tour operators and journalists," he said.
Sakya asked the envoys to encourage renowned icons such as writers, singers and artistes to visit Nepal. "Such visits will be helpful for promoting the country in the international arena," he said.
Working Session (6th of November)
In the first working session of the second day (the 6th of November), Baburam Acharya, Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Transport Management, and Shankar Prasad Koirala, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, made their presentations on the themes of Foreign Employment, Remittance & the Government of Nepal's Policies on Labour Issues, and Hydropower Diplomacy, respectively.
In his presentation, Secretary Acharya informed that around three million Nepalese people have been working in different countries across the world.
The Government of Nepal has opened 107 countries to foreign employment. Around 600 youths are leaving the countries in search of foreign jobs daily, he said.
According to him, more than 700 manpower companies have been sending Nepali youths to different countries for employment. Of them, only about 50 have been working sincerely.
He said that foreign job aspirants are often swindled by local as well as foreign agents. "Although the government has not allowed women to go to the Gulf countries for employment, many women are found going there via India," he said.
He said that the ministry was ready to appoint labour attaches at different embassies, but resource crunch was hindering the process. He informed that the ministry has stationed a labour desk at the Tribhuvan International Airport. But the Immigration office and the airport authority do not want the labour desk to function there.
For the welfare of workers, the government has established a welfare fund by raising Rs. 1,000 from each of workers. "A total of Rs. 190 million has been collected in the welfare fund," he said.
He said that workers had problems with medical tests. "This is due to weaknesses on the part of doctors and manpower agencies," he said.
He said that the government was exploring new labour destinations. "Hong Kong has now emerged as a good destination for the Nepalese women considering the amount of salary and their security. We are trying to send more women to Hong Kong," he said.
He said that Poland and Japan could also be major labour markets for Nepal.
He said that efforts are underway to develop rescue and safe houses at different countries.
He asked the envoys to explore foreign job opportunities for the Nepalese youths, although it was not a good solution to the growing problem of unemployment in the country. "Our diplomatic missions need to help those workers who are in difficulties due one or the other reason," he suggested.
He also informed that the ministry was working towards establishing networks with foreign companies so as to maintain a database.
He emphasized the need to bring in more remittances through formal channels.
Floor Discussion
Madhuban Poudel, the Nepalese Ambassador to Kuwait, wanted to know whether the government had any plan to establish a safe house/shelter in Kuwait or not.
Poudel said that the Nepalese women have not been permitted to work as housemaids. "Can we allow them to work as housemaids by developing any bilateral arrangement?" he asked.
He also drew the attention of the government towards lower salary amount (just US$ 125 per month) for the Nepalese workers.
Rukma Shumshere Rana, the Nepalese Ambassador to India, observed that many Nepali women are often found stranded at the Delhi airport, as the Indian immigration officials do not allow them to fly to the Gulf countries.
"I heard that such vulnerable groups are usually cheated by brokers there," he said.
Stating that Nepali workers were getting much lower amount of salary than the women from other countries in the Gulf countries, he asked the Nepalese envoy to Kuwait to take up the issue of discrimination in salary and other facilities.
He suggested that the ministry should explore Macao as a new labour market.
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, suggested the government should focus on imparting training to workers so as to make them skilled or semi-skilled.
"As remittance has contributed around 19 per cent to the gross domestic product of Nepal, we must coordinate with different potential markets such as Hong Kong and Macao to promote foreign employment," Shah said.
He said that the number of persons going to different countries as UN peacekeepers should also be increased.
Responding to the queries, Secretary Acharya said that the ministry had taken the problems being faced by Nepali women in Delhi seriously.
"The problem will be settled after Saudi Arabia establishes its embassy in Kathmandu," he said.
He said that due to unhealthy competition among manpower agencies, workers were facing problems.
He said that the ministry would think of establishing a safe house in Kuwait.
Presenting his paper entitled "Hydropower Diplomacy", Shankar Prasad Koirala, Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, showed the status of hydropower development of the country.
According to Koirala, various hydropower projects in Nepal have been generating 635 MW of hydropower in the country. Annual peak load growth is 10 per cent and demand growth stands at 8.5 per cent annually. Installed capacity of hydropower projects is 689 MW. Thermal plants generate 54 MW of power.
He informed that the government has been working out plans to generate 3,422 MW of hydropower for the export by encouraging foreign private investors in the next 10 years.
He said that the people of Nepal will have to suffer from load-shedding for the next 4/5 years. He said that political instability of the country and local-level demands have been hindering the development of the hydropower sector.
He informed that the problem of power shortage in the country will be resolved after the completion of bigger projects such as the Upper Tamakoshi (456 MW). He said that a French power company is showing its interest in developing the 600-MW Budhi Gandaki project.
He also disclosed that the World Bank (WB) will be investing in the inter-country transmission lines so as to enable Nepal to import power from India during power crunch.
He said that the government has adopted new policies for the development of hydropower in the country. "The government has decided to waive off income taxes for the hydropower companies for 10 years in order to attract them to invest in this sector," he said.
He requested the envoys to take the initiatives to bring in foreign investors for the development of this potential sector. "The West Seti Project could be given to foreign investors directly. "Eight projects, including Upper Karnali (300 MW), and Kabeli (30 MW) will be given through a tender process," he said.
He said that foreign and domestic investors could make joint investments in Marsyangdi (250 MW), Upper Marsyangdi (50 MW), Likhu-4 (120 MW) and Balephi (50 MW).
Similarly, foreign investors could join hands with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for the development of Budhi Gandaki (600 MW) and Kaligandaki (400 MW).
He asked the Nepalese Ambassador to India for taking the initiative to build 400 KV inter-country transmission line and sign a new power purchase agreement, and materialize the Pancheshwor and Saptakoshi High Dam and the Sunkoshi Kamala Diversion Projects.
He said that Nepal was willing to import 80 MW of electricity from Pancheshwor and Koshi, but India was not ready to provide.
Floor Discussion
Rukma Shumshere Rana, the Nepalese Ambassador to India, asked the paper presenter to shed light on problems that Nepal has to face while importing 80 MW of electricity from India.
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, asked Koirala whether the government alone or the private sector would invest in the development of national grids.
Shah said that investors from Brazil are developing the Lower Arun (335MW) and Indian ones have undertaken the Arun-III. "Will investors of both the projects build the national grid for supplying the electricity to be generated from those projects?" he asked.
He observed that neither India has initiated the construction work of the Naumure Project nor does it allow others to be involved in the project. "Is it possible for the Government of Nepal to solicit proposals from interested power developers once again?" he asked.
Gyan Chandra Acharya, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN Mission in New York, said that the power being generated was not sufficient for local consumption. "There are also many electricity-intensive industries. So, it is virtually impossible for the country to export electricity unless and until bigger projects come into operation," Acharya said.
He said that some foreign investors have returned due to issues concerning rights of the local people. "What could be its demonstration effects?" he asked.
He suggested that mechanisms at both regional and local levels should be developed so as to resolve such issues.
Madhuban Poudel, the Nepalese Ambassador to Kuwait, wanted to know about the status of the West Seti and Budhi Gandaki Projects.
Responding to the questions, Secretary Koirala said that the government has wanted to develop transmission lines commercially, but no investors have come up with their plans.
"But it is possible on the basis of build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT). After the formation of a regulatory mechanism, it will fix wheeling charge," he said.
Regarding the construction of the national grid to supply power to be generated from Arun-II and Lower Arun, he said that both the projects will work together for this.
He said that there are six/seven cement factories and some fertilizers factories that consume a lot of electricity.
According to him, all the political parties have shown their commitment to forming mechanisms at regional and local levels.
He said that all the projects may not come into operation within five years, as the state's presence is weak.
Talking about the West Seti, he said that one power developer has eyed the project for more than 15 years, but it has failed to manage financial resources for the project.
He, however, informed that the Government of Nepal and the ADB have bought an equity of15 per cent each of the project. "The ADB has set a condition that the project should start from December 2009. As this is a test project, no other projects will materialize without its success," he said.
He informed that a French power developer company has shown its interest in Budhi Gandaki Project. "NEA is also looking for its partners for this," he said.
In his presentation on ‘Three-Year Perspective Plan', Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission (NPC), said that the government is working on formulating another three-year plan with the completion of the current three-year-plan this fiscal year.
"After the promulgation of the new constitution, the country will have an elected government and the country will also go for federalism. So, we are not devising a five-year-plan now for the convenience of the new government," Dr. Khatiwada said.
Highlighting areas of priority of the upcoming perspective plan, Dr. Khatiwada said that relief, rehabilitation, launching of job-oriented projects, poverty reduction, and upliftment of target groups, development of physical infrastructures, and social development will be given top priority.
He further said that the plan will be more inclusive and forward looking. "The plan will focus on reconstruction of the projects, which were destroyed during the conflict, and address social discontents," he added.
He informed that the government aims to spend about Rs. 588 billion during the plan period. "Of the total amount, the government will contribute 30 per cent, while the private sector and foreign investment will cover the remaining 70 per cent," he said.
According to him, the meeting of the Nepal Development Forum will be held in February-March 2010. "The meeting will focus on the base paper of the next perspective plan. We hope that donors will make their commitments to extend their support to Nepal at the meeting," he said.
He stressed the need to mobilize the FDI and private investment for hydropower development and construction of commercial roads.
He emphasized that donors need to have sector-wise approach and contribute their assistance to basket funding.
The amount of expenditures in rural infrastructure development and drinking water will continue to increase.
He said that the base document will be based on the United Nations Millennium Goals, SAARC goals, and Nepal's commitments to improving the status of women and children.
He said that the government will remain effortful in proving the fact that the domestic efforts are sufficient.
He further said that much focus will be laid on promotion of youth employment. In Nepal, around 13 per cent youths are unemployed, while 30 per cent of their working days are being wasted.
"Without laying necessary focus on youth employment promotion, the ongoing conflict will not be addressed," he said.
In Nepal, around 350,000-400,000 job seekers are added to the country's job market every year. Of them, about 200,000 go abroad for employment.
"Although it is not good for us to send workers to foreign countries, we are compelled to do so. We cannot create sufficient job opportunities for the growing unemployed youths unless and until we are able to achieve an economic growth of 8 per cent," he said.
He also stressed the need to utilize the skills and knowledge of the workers in the country's development after their return from foreign countries. "We need to develop entrepreneurship among them," he said.
He added that the growing use of machines has been cutting down jobs. "Instead of machines and equipment, we need to focus on job-intensive projects," he said.
He called for giving priority to agriculture and infrastructure development. "Tourism is another area of priority, but its contribution to GDP is nominal," he said.
He said that social investments will not give due return to the country.
He asked the envoys to concentrate their efforts on bringing in grants rather than loans.
He also requested them to lobby for financial resources for minimizing impacts on climate change and global recession.
Floor Discussion
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, Nepal's Ambassador to Brazil, said that the embassies need project budgets. He said that the project budget allocated for promoting economic diplomacy has been helpful.
Gyan Chandra Acharya, Permanent Representative of Nepal to UN Mission in New York, said that Nepal needed to make immediate efforts to create the international community's interest in the country.
Acharya also suggested that there should be mid-term review of the Millennium Development Goals and preparation of the approach paper for the three-year-plan. "Donors have commented that we have been less ambitious," he said.
He stressed the need to promote investment of remittance in the rural areas so as to create employment opportunities there. "Generating employment opportunities is key to economic development and social and political stability," he said.
Responding to the issues raised from the floor, Dr. Khatiwada said that the state has to play roles in equitable distribution of resources, and mobilization and facilitation of the private sector.
"Growth and equitable distribution should go together," he said.
He further said that food security and climate change issues should be given top priority.
He assured that the government would allocate project budgets for the embassies.
In his presentation on ‘Private Sector Perspectives', President of Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Surendra Bir Malakar asked the ambassadors to focus their efforts on promoting trade and service sectors and attracting foreign investments through implementing the concept of economic diplomacy.
Malakar called for maximizing the utilization of opportunities given by various multilateral and regional trade arrangements such as the World Trade Organisation, BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) and South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) in order to increase market access of the Nepalese products.
He also asked the envoys to take the initiative to sign trade and transit agreements with many countries in order to increase Nepal's access to more markets. Until now, Nepal has inked such agreements with 17 various countries, including the United States, India, the United Kingdom, and Sri Lanka.
He appreciated the government for including many inputs of the private sector in its industrial policy. "The government has included the provision of no work no pay in the policy and adopted more liberal labour policy. He stressed the need to adopt the policy of hire and fire for attracting more foreign investors.
Stating that the shortage of power has adversely affected the industrial and business sectors, he suggested that the government should focus on increasing electricity supply.
He said that the government needed to work on increasing trade ties with the United States and many other countries.
He urged the envoys to raise the issues of tourism and climate change and concentrate their efforts on public private partnership projects.
Floor Discussion
Dr. Shankar Sharma, the Nepalese Ambassador to the United States, stressed the need for the private sector to make investments in infrastructure development.
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, solicited suggestions of the private sector to list products that Nepal could promote in foreign countries.
"It would be better if we could be country-specific," he said.
He observed that Nepal could not export ready garments as demanded due to labour problems.
In his presentation entitled ‘Role of Nepalese Diplomatic Missions in Trade and Investment Promotion', Purushottam Ojha, Secretary of Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, said that trade and investment sectors could play a lead role in transforming the national economy.
"These sectors are regarded as sources and engines of economic development," Secretary Ojha said.
Shedding light on the importance of investment, he said, "It creates employment opportunities and income effects and contributes to infrastructure development, enhancement of productivity and accelerates economic growth."
Highlighting the significance of trade, he said that it also helps in increasing income and creating jobs. "Trade leads to economic growth, investment promotion, acquisition of technologies and increases capacity of utilization of factors of production," he added.
He informed that the government formulated a new Trade Policy 2065 and was in the process of introducing new industrial and investment policies.
He, however, said that trade performance in recent years was not satisfactory, as trade deficit with foreign countries was widening.
He also depicted a picture of Nepal's trade and investment situation.
He informed that the ratio of domestic savings to GDP at current prices in fiscal year 2008/09 was 8 per cent as compared to 11.2 per cent in the fiscal year 2007/08. According to him, the ration of investment to GDP declined to 29.7 per cent from 31.8 per cent.
Showing the situation of FDI in Nepal, he also informed that a total of 1646 industries were established in Nepal under the direct foreign investment. Foreign investors have made a total of 476, 998.12 million as foreign direct investment in Nepal. The companies have created employment opportunities to 13, 3862 persons.
He asked the diplomatic missions to concentrate their efforts on promoting Nepal's trade in goods and trade in services. He urged the envoys to encourage investors to invest in establishing international-level health institutions and hospitals, banks and financial institutions in Nepal.
He also asked them to assist in creating Nepalese trade mark, brand, patent, design and other IPs in association with Nepalese entrepreneurs. He emphasized the need for encouraging Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) to invest their savings in various sectors in Nepal.
He called upon them to promote Nepal as an investment destination among foreign investors as well as NRNs.
Floor Discussion
Gyan Chandra Acharya, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN Mission in New York, said that business delegations should visit the countries to promote businesses.
Acharya also suggested that the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs needed to allocate budget for organizing business trips. He said that the private sector should take the lead role while organizing such trips. "Two/three business trips should be organized annually in the countries where business prospects are high," he said.
In response to Acharya's comments, Secretary Ojha said that joint efforts geared towards trade promotion could be result-oriented.
Recalling the concerted efforts of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote trade in Germany during the 5oth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 2008, he said that they proved to be very effective.
He also stressed the need for the two ministries to work out plans in order to take part in international trade fairs and marts.
Kush Kumar Joshi, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FNCCI), made his presentation on ‘Private Sector Perspective.'
In his presentation, Joshi expressed his happiness over the appointment of ambassadors, who are private sector friendly.
He asked them to carry out their responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of a company to safeguard the national interests. "We are hopeful that the envoys will work as CEOs to promote and sell Nepal," he said.
He assured that the private sector was always ready to work together with the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad. "We are ready to explore areas of cooperation and manage resources for promoting the country," he added.
Highlighting the roles of NRNs in promoting the country's trade ties abroad, he said that the wider network of NRNs should be utilized for the benefit of Nepal.
Referring to the significance of relations between professional organizations, he said that the 50th anniversary function of the establishment of Nepal-Australia diplomatic relations was fruitful for business promotion.
He said the credit to the FNCCI and the Confederation of Indian Industries for improving the Trade and Commerce Treaty between Nepal and India.
He informed that the FNCCI had signed memoranda with 47 countries for trade promotion.
He asked the envoys to work as a coordinator between the private sectors of Nepal and the concerned countries.
He hoped that the envoys would remain effortful in enhancing ties between business communities of Nepal and foreign countries.
"The Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad need to gear their efforts towards increasing air connectivity and showcasing our products," he said.
He was of the opinion that there should be follow-up meetings between the Nepalese and Indian sides to effectively implement the recently signed bilateral trade treaty.
Dr. Chiranjibi Nepal, advisor to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Madame Sujata Koirala, also made his brief presentation.
Dr. Nepal urged the envoys to have updated information on a wide range of nation's issues and try to settle inter-state problems and promote trade ties with foreign countries.
He also stressed the need for the line ministries to have proper coordination. "We need to promote economic diplomacy by keeping national interest at central stage," he said.
He requested them to attract more foreign business people to Nepal. "The diplomatic missions need to build up the country's image and highlight business opportunities. Highlight tax and labour policies of the country," he asked the envoys.
He requested them to project Nepal in a positive light.
Floor Discussion
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, commented that both presentations were nice.
Shah assured that they would lobby for promoting the country's interests.
At the third session, Rameshwore Khanal, Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, and Dr. Mohan Man Sainju, former Vice-Chairman of the NPC and Ambassador of Nepal to the United States, made their presentations on ‘An Overview of Economic Situation of Nepal with Particular Focus on Economic Diplomacy'
Presenting his paper, Secretary Khanal shed light on fundamental traits of Nepal's economy.
He said that Nepal's economy has relied on remittance for foreign exchange and trade payments and witnessed docile export performance in the last four fiscal years.
According to him, the country's import has been growing by over 15 per cent annually during the last four fiscal years.
He said that there is a sizable number of young people in the country and the national economy is not generating enough jobs.
He said that the government has asked donors to increasingly align and harmonise aid to Nepal. "Our National Action Plan for Effectiveness is under consultation with donors," he said.
He said that Nepal would not accept suppliers' credit and non-concession loans. He informed that Nepal had signed TIPA (Trade & Investment Promotion Agreement with a number of countries.
He asked the multilateral donors for their involvement in hydropower development and helping in having better business forum and other FDI promoting policies and instruments.
He also requested the diplomatic missions to work together with business community.
Dr. Shankar Sharma, the Nepalese Ambassador to the United States, asked Khanal whether there were any objections of the government to TIPA, as the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) entitled to get more facilities.
Dr. Sharma said that Nepal receives around US$ 70-80 million through local USAID. "But why is the US government imposing taxes on assistance," he asked.
He also observed that a lot of foreign aid comes to the country as assistance for the process of budget preparation. "Similarly, a large amount of money is coming to the country for rights and social issues. How can it be brought to net?" he asked.
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, said that Brazil and India signed nine different memoranda of understandings (MoUs) in 2008, as the two countries wanted to work together.
"Brazil also wants to make Nepal a business hub," he said.
Responding to the queries, Secretary Khanal said that the Ministry of Finance has sought comments of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies on TIPA.
He informed that the USAID has been working as per the agreement signed in 1974.
He said that the government would develop mechanisms for the NGOs and INGOs to bring in money through the government channels.
He said that Brazil could be a good investor in Nepal.
Presenting his paper, Dr. Sainju said that social and economic agendas hold much significance in Nepal at a time when the peace process has been going on.
Dr. Sainju called for accelerating the economic growth rate by utilizing both internal and external resources.
Emphasising the need to materialize the concept of economic diplomacy, he said that economic interest is more important than other interests in the changed global context. "Due to the growing importance of economic interest, Indo-China and Indo-US relations have been promoted," he said.
He said that the economic agenda was treated as a prime agenda during the mid-1980s with the emergence of globalization.
He said that foreign aid has witnessed structural changes. "The amounts of grants have decreased considerably at present," he said.
He said that although the World Bank has been providing loans at concessional rates, it has set a lot of conditions.
He asked the envoys to prioritise national interest and economic and social development.
He said that the agriculture sector needed to be given top priority, as it creates more jobs in rural areas.
He also said that the underprivileged groups should be brought to the mainstream of development.
Dwelling on the effects of longstanding political unrest in Nepal, he hoped that it would end soon.
"As Nepal is a land-linked country, we must encourage investors to invest in Nepal," he said.
He requested the ambassadors to focus their attention on it.
Speaking about the operationalisation of economic diplomacy, he said that the latest information technologies have made it easier for the embassies to disseminate information in an efficient manner.
He suggested that the embassies should work as an information bank. "They must provide potential investors with detailed information about Nepal so as to attract them to invest," he said.
He said that despite budget crunch, the ambassadors should take part in various events and speak something about Nepal.
He also asked them to facilitate the private sector. "Allow the private sector to use the embassy's premises for organizing meetings and gatherings," he said.
He said that the national goal could be achieved when economic diplomacy is fully operationalised.
Floor Discussion
Pradhumna Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, said that economic and political development could move ahead together.
"How can we attract more foreign direct investments when there is tough competition at the international level?" he asked.
In his response, Dr. Sainju said that the Nepalese people hold a good image as an ever smiling lot despite poverty. "We need to promote all the positive aspects," he said.
Working Session (8th of November)
Three scholars made their presentations at the working session of the final day. Mrs. Urmila Aryal, member of the CA and former Minister, Prabal Shumshere Rana, former Ambassador and Chief of Protocol, and Keshav Raj Jha, former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador, presented their papers on ‘Women's Issues and their Rights in the New Constitution', Diplomatic Practice: Protocol and Ceremonial including Order of Precedence; Dress Code; Etiquette; Table Arrangements and Manners, and A Critical Appraisal of Protocol and Consular Practices of Nepalese Diplomacy in the Present Context', respectively.
Mrs. Aryal, who is also a Politburo member of the CPN-UML, made a historical overview of gender-based discriminations in Nepal and their impact on the overall development of women.
She also briefed about the UN Convention on Elimination of all forms of Discriminations against Women (CEDAW) that was adopted in 1979 and various International Women's Conferences. Nepal ratified CEDAW in 1991.
She said that women in Nepal has been far behind as compared to their male counterparts in terms of education, employment, political participation, access to and control over properties, communication, etc.
She said that the society's existing patriarchal thoughts were leading women's socio-economic status.
She said that although women in Nepal account for over 50 per cent of the total population, they are deprived of political, social and economic rights.
She further said that some of the legal provisions of Nepal are still discriminatory against women. "On the basis of population, women should have 50 per cent participation in national politics. But the number of women taking part in politics is very low as compared to men," she said.
She further said that despite the legal provisions, women were failing to enjoy their rights to parental properties. "More than 85 per cent of women are found involved in agriculture and livestock farming. But only about 10.84 per cent of them have ownership," she said.
She said that various forms of social evils were hindering women's development.
"Women are tortured in the pretext of practicing witchcraft. They are trafficked. There still practices of polygamy and dowry," she said.
She, however, said that some positive developments have taken place in favour of women in the country.
She said that the CA elected 33 per cent of women members was an important achievement.
She further said that various committees under the CA have taken up the issues of underprivileged and marginalized women.
She suggested that there should be a clear definition of equality in the new constitution. "In terms of citizenship, the concept of equality should be ensured," she suggested.
She also underscored the need to protect rights against exploitation.
"In the local bodies' budget and programme, the provision of allocating 25 per cent of total budget for women and children should be ensured," she demanded.
Floor Discussion
Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, the Nepalese Ambassador to Canada, said that quality of women needed to be improved and the traditional attitude of the society toward them must change.
He said that issues of rural and urban women are not the same. "In rural areas, women are exploited," he said.
He said that the political parties must express their commitment to increasing women's participation in politics.
Gyan Chandra Acharya, the Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN Mission in New York, said that special attention should be paid toward improving health and education status of women.
He further said that gender budgeting stood at 20 per cent and girls' school enrollment has increased. "Their dropout rate has also increased," he said.
He suggested that there should be monitoring mechanisms at local level and coordination unit at the central level in order to improve the condition of women.
Rukma Shumshere Rana, the Nepalese Ambassador to India, said that women's participation even in the International Olympic Committee has also been insignificant.
Rana stressed the need to implement programmes to empower women.
Sushil Chandra Amatya, the Nepalese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, said that the constitutional and legal provisions alone would not help empower women.
"Such provisions must be implemented accordingly in order to bring about changes in lives of women," Amatya said.
He said that legal rights and provision of reservation would also be instrumental in the development of women.
Madhuban Poudel, the Nepalese Ambassador to Kuwait, said that the government had decided not to send Nepali women to Kuwait as domestic workers, but female activists were protesting against it.
"Should they be allowed to work in Kuwait or stopped?" Poudel asked.
Pradhuman Bikram Shah, the Nepalese Ambassador to Brazil, said that women in Bangladesh had been operating supermarkets. "Nepal is having an access to the global market in an organized way," he said.
He said that Filipino women, who are trained and qualified, have been a much sought-after lot in Hong Kong.
He suggested that the government should take the initiative to train women to send them to Hong Kong and Macao where workers are safer and get much more salaries as compared to other countries.
Responding to the queries raised from the floor, Mrs. Aryal said that women have been exploited both in rural and urban areas.
She stressed the need for a balanced type of policy for empowerment of women and men.
She suggested that the leadership of various political parties should discard their traditional attitude toward women.
Talking about the pathetic condition of rural women, she said that they should be given opportunities. "To bring about qualitative changes, special programmes for women are necessary," she said.
She also pointed out the need for a proper coordination among women leaders at the central level.
She said that the state should directly invest in the development of women, whose level of awareness has increased over the years.
She was of the opinion that the state should try to provide women with alternatives to foreign employment. "This could also help in checking trafficking in women," she said.
She said that the state should invest in the development of skills and employment opportunities for women.
"The state must invest in human development. For this political commitment is necessary," she said.
She also drew the attention of the international community towards the plight of women in Nepal.
She said that there were disparities in terms of salaries and other facilities between men and women even in the developed countries such as Switzerland and the United States.
In his comprehensive presentation, Prabal Shumshere Rana, former Ambassador and Chief of Protocol, said that diplomatic missions and diplomats should abide by the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Rana's paper includes the list of points to be taken up by the diplomats. Nepal ratified the Convention on September 28, 1965.
He also elaborated the appointment of ambassadors and presentation of credentials.
He explained and differentiated commonly used terminologies such as protocol, treaty and convention.
The document could be practically useful to the newly appointed ambassadors, as it offers guidelines on what they should do and what they must not to do.
He also elaborated DIPLOMAT as Diligence, Discretion, Intuition, Intelligence, Perseverance, Polish, Punctuality, Language Proficiency, Observation Powers, Mannerly, Adaptability and Acumen, and Tenacity and Tact.
Making his brief presentation, former Ambassador Jha said that diplomats are supposed to promote diplomacy.
He also asked the envoys to buy some books such as Evolution of Diplomacy, Guide To Diplomatic Practices, Diplomatic Handbook, etc.
He suggested that the ambassadors should have updated information about protocol-related matters, as they keep on changing with the passage of time. He said that a lot of changes had taken place in the diplomatic sector after the World War II.
"State can decide on protocol matters. Sometimes senior citizens are treated as seniors in protocol," he said.
Sharing his experience while in France as the Nepalese Ambassador, he said that the then French President had arrived at the airport to receive the then king of Nepal.
He urged the ambassadors to enhance the nation's prestige rather than national treasury.
He also requested them to speak truth, protect the national interest and enhance the power of negotiation, and protect the mission.
He also stressed the need to follow the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
He also asked them to keep good rapport with the Chief of Protocol.
Floor Discussion
Rukma Shumshere Rana, the Nepalese Ambassador to India, asked the paper presenters to shed light on contents of weekly or monthly reports of the diplomatic missions abroad.
Rana also asked them how often they needed to send reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Responding to Rana's queries, Jha said that sending reports is part of duty of the diplomatic missions. "The reports should be substantive, not rubbish reports. You should send detailed reports when the matter is of serious nature," he suggested.
He also suggested the envoys that they should share their perceptions after holding talks with senior bureaucrats, Members of Parliament, ministers and other important persons.
"Reports should be written on sensitive issues," he said.
Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, the Nepalese Ambassador to Canada, asked the scholar whether the report should be sent to the ministry on a regular basis.
Jha replied that reports should be sent as per the instruction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Gyan Chandra Acharya, Permanent Representative of Nepal to the UN Mission in New York, said that reports on political, economic and other issues are important for adoption of policies and enhancement of relations with the concerned countries.
The former Foreign Secretary said that the report should be based on the assessment of the concerned country's political situation and its possible impact on Nepal.
He said that Nepal's ambassador to Sri Lanka could write a report on its conflict management.
He said that attending reception and dinner programmes is useful, as a lot of information on a wide range of issues of the particular country could be received from such gatherings.
Citing an example of subject matters of reports, he said that the US President's visit to India could be included in the report considering the event's impact on Nepal.
He said that reports can be event-based or related to assessment of the overall situation.
Rana suggested that the envoys should send all the reports related to economic diplomacy to the Ministry.
Jha informed that the government used to issue special instructions to the diplomatic missions for reports on specific issues during the Panchayat period.
He advised the envoys to remain effortful in organizing the state visits between the concerned countries and Nepal. "We should also try to extend high-level visits," he said.
Concluding Session
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala graced the concluding session of the briefing-cum-interaction as the chief guest. The session was organized at the IEDI Hall at Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, on November 8, 2009.
Similarly, Foreign Secretary Dr. Madan Kumar Bhattarai was the guest of honour at the closing session. Executive Director of IFA Prof. Dr. Gopal Prasad Pokharel chaired the session. Prof. Pokharel offered floral bouquets to the chief guest.
Addressing the concluding session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Madame Koirala stressed the need for the Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad to explore more avenues of cooperation and create contacts at both the government-to-government and the people-to-people levels.
The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the newly appointed ambassadors of Nepal to various countries to focus their efforts on promoting economic diplomacy for attracting foreign assistances and investments and discovering markets for the Nepalese products.
"I hope that the newly appointed Nepalese ambassadors will make extra endeavours to garner support for Nepal's peace process and socio-economic development," she said.
She expressed her belief that the interaction was useful to them, as they got familiarized with many contemporary social and economic issues of Nepal.
She also asked them to work out plans in order to mobilize the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) for the development of the country.
She said that Nepal needed to raise pertinent issues of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and climate change at the international forums.
Speaking at the gathering, Foreign Secretary Dr. Bhattarai said that the Ministry would make more effective coordination with the country's missions abroad.
"Although we have shortage of resources, we will extend all possible support and cooperation to the diplomatic missions for promoting the country's foreign policy," Dr. Bhattarai assured.
On behalf of the participants, Dr. Bhoj Raj Ghimire, Nepalese ambassador to Canada and former Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, said that the interaction was very fruitful for them, as various experts made their comprehensive presentations on many issues.
Dr. Ghimire expressed the commitment that they would remain effortful in gathering more international assistance and support for the development of the conflict-hit country.
He thanked the IFA for organizing the interaction for the newly appointed ambassadors.
Earlier, Prof. Pokharel delivered his welcome address and said that the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister at both the opening and closing sessions of the interaction showed her firm commitment to implementing the country's foreign policy in a more effective manner.
He also emphasized the need for the envoys to enhance the country's image internationally. "We are hopeful that the ambassadors will show their competitiveness and professionalism in their performances," he said.
Finally, Ms. Anjan Shakya, Deputy Executive Director of IFA, extended her vote of thanks to the chief guest, the guest of honour, participant envoys, resource persons and other invitees for their support and cooperation.
Ms. Shakya lauded the newly appointed ambassadors for showing their keen interest in the interaction. "I believe that the envoys have found the programme to be useful, as they got updated information on a wide range of issues.
Shakya requested them to promote the Nepalese products and portray Nepal's positive image in the international arena. "We are confident that the ambassadors will fulfill their responsibilities as the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the country abroad," she said.