Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized the crucial role of honorary consuls in strengthening Nepal’s economic diplomacy and expanding people-to-people ties during the 18th Annual General Meeting and Charter Day Celebration of the Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCC-N) on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Deuba highlighted the importance of honorary consuls in fostering stronger bilateral relations, promoting trade, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing Nepal’s global image. “In today’s interconnected world, bilateral cooperation and partnerships must be advanced for shared prosperity,” she said. “Your contributions in trade promotion, investment, market access, and Nepal’s international branding are indispensable.”
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, Dean of HCC-N, noted that honorary consuls are not merely ceremonial representatives but active agents in Nepal’s economic diplomacy. “We are moving beyond formalities to contribute effectively to Nepal’s development and diplomacy,” he said. Dhakal stressed the growing significance of economic diplomacy in a globally interconnected era, calling it a necessity rather than an option.
Dhakal, who also chairs the IME Group and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), reiterated HCC-N’s commitment to national priorities. He announced plans for Nepal’s first economic conference, organized jointly with the Foreign Ministry, to leverage honorary consuls’ expertise in foreign investment, innovation, trade, and tourism.
The event also featured a keynote address by former UN Under-Secretary-General Gyan Chandra Acharya, who underscored the unique role of honorary consuls in advancing Nepal’s development and global presence.
The ceremony concluded with Dhakal handing over the HCC-N dean’s role to Bhola Bikram Thapa, Nepal’s honorary consul for Bulgaria in Nepal. High-ranking officials, diplomats, and honorary consuls attended the event.
.
