By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Nov. 12: Regional conference of honorary consular is being organised in the Capital from November 12-15.
The event is jointly organised by the Honorary Consular Corps – Nepal (HCC-N) and World Federation of Consuls (FICAC).
The 'HCC-N and FICAC Regional Conference 2019' organised with the theme 'Solidarity for Shared Prosperity' will witness the presence of 150 consular and consular generals from Asia and Europe.
Dean of the HCC-N Pradeep Kumar Shrestha said that the conference will deliberate on three agenda – gender equality, climate change and melting glaciers, and connectivity and prosperity.
"It is expected that this conference will open an avenue for exploring opportunities for attracting Foreign Direct Investment in various sectors of economic development in Nepal such as hydropower, tourism, joint venture in Band and Financial Institutions, and other multi-national companies," he said.
The conference organisers have planned various activities for the entertainment of delegates as well as to promote the cultural heritages and places of touristic importance by organising dinner at Patan Durbar Square and other activities.
"It will support the country in promoting Visit Nepal Year 2020 as the guest will play the role of the goodwill ambassadors of Nepal," said Shrestha.
Gajendra Bahadur Shrestha, former Dean of HCC-N, said that the honorary consular played an important role for both the sending and receiving countries. "Many of them are representing the diplomatic missions of the respective countries in Nepal and elsewhere," he said.
President of FICAC Dr. Aykut Eken said that the world organisation had decided to hold the event in Nepal just three months ago, but the preparation was good.
"I am hopeful that it will be a productive event for the FICAC as well as Nepal," he said.
FICAC has 90 national associations around the world and the membership is growing. Dr. Eken said that they wanted to increase the network around the globe so that all of us can work together.  

Conference will teach techniques to deal with problems: Shrestha 

Meanwhile, Pradip Kumar Shrestha, Dean of Honorary Consular Corps-Nepal (HCC-N, talked to Modnath Dhakal of The Rising Nepal in the eve of the regional conference of honorary consular that Nepal is hosting in Kathmandu from November 12-15. Excerpts: 

Could you briefly tell about the consular corps?
Its an association of all the honorary consular in Nepal. It helps us in bridging the sending and receiving countries and can contribute in social and economic development. We are trying to make better relations between the honorary consular and the government. The association has 18 years of history in Nepal and has supported in business, foreign investment and will continue to do so.

Why the agenda of gender equality and connectivity and prosperity are chosen for the conference?
This is an international conference so we have chosen the areas that can address the regional issues. Gender and climate change are the global issues that are getting higher attention. Nepal has also accorded high importance to climate change agenda. Connectivity is key to development.

What importance does the conference have in Nepal's national context?
It will teach us about the techniques to deal with various national and international issues. It will help boost Nepal's image in the international markets as the honorary consular will play the role of goodwill ambassador of the country which will ultimately support in making the Visit Nepal Year 2020 a success. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation have extended required support in organising the conference.

Do the honorary consular have any concerns that the government of Nepal should be paying attention to?
We are breaking the notion that the consuls do nothing. We are working for the economic and social benefits for both the sending and receiving countries. The consular attending the conference can come next time as the investors. The government should understand this and know that we can make a difference.

What contributions have the honorary consular given to this country?
We have contributed during natural calamities. Supported the governments of both sending and receiving countries in various bilateral issues.