FM Rana instructs heads of mission to prioritize national interests and economic diplomacy

Kathmandu, Jan 16: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has instructed the head of missions to conduct diplomacy to advance the national interests.

She also instructed Nepali missions to attach priority to the promotion of economic diplomacy and protection of Nepali migrant workers, while emphasizing efficient service delivery and engagement with Nepali diaspora for the development of the country.

During a virtual meeting on Thursday with head of Nepali missions abroad, Minister Dr Rana noted that Nepal is promoting economic diplomacy as an integral part of its foreign policy and suggested the mission heads to explore any area that will support Nepal's development aspirations and economic growth, including helping attract financial investment to the country.

Suggesting the heads of mission to work on ways to bring Nepal benefits from the potential of the countries they are serving in, she said that since the Ministry is working through a separate division to fulfill the country's aspirations for development and national prosperity all missions of Nepal should engage in economic diplomacy to bring in foreign direct investment into the country.

It is more so necessary for all the missions to attract investment to Nepal and take the potential of Nepal to the global market in the current situation where Nepali economy has not able to gain the expected momentum due to varied of factors/

On the occasion, Minister Dr Rana also urged suggestion regular participation in fairs, festivals and exhibitions organized in different countries to promote the potential of Nepali products and tourism in the global market.

She also drew attention of the mission heads to continue advocate for climate justice, considering the problems that Nepal is facing and is likely to face due to climate change. "All should work from their respective side for the success of the Sagarmatha Dialogue to be held in Nepal in the near future," she said.

She further said, “Expand contacts and relations with governments, various agencies and private sectors of the countries under your jurisdiction and work towards making their policies compatible with the interests of the nation. Since the effectiveness of our diplomacy depends on the capacity of the Nepali mission, work with attention to this.”

The Foreign Minister also directed all the heads of missions to provide necessary services to the Nepali community abroad, pay attention to their needs, and to be readily available to address their concerns and grievances.

Also speaking at the meeting, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai urged the mission heads to promote the interests of the Nepali community in foreign employment by protecting their rights and interests. (RSS)