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US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson paid a courtesy call on Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar today.

On the occasion, Minister Bhandari said that Nepal and the US have common views on topics like democracy, human rights, sovereign equality, stating the US was the first country providing foreign assistance to Nepal.

"I express high appreciation to the American government for extending cooperation for the economic-social development and strengthening the democratic institutions of Nepal. The development cooperation received from the United States of America has made an important contribution to various sectors including education, health, transport, communication, agriculture and environment among others," he said.

Noting that the US is the second biggest destination country for export of Nepali goods, the industry minister said it was an important country also in terms of the number of tourists visiting the country.

"Nepal and the USA entered into the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) in 2011 and this Ministry has been leading the country in the meetings of the TIFA Council under this agreement, representing the Government of Nepal," he added.

The Sixth Meeting of the Council was held in Kathmandu on May 19, 2023. The minister stated the meeting held discussions on various topics of bilateral trade and investment promotion. The minister expressed that the Seventh Meeting of TIFA Council will take place in the USA in the near future.

Referring to the facility provided by the US government for customs-free entry in the US market to 77 types of goods manufactured in Nepal until the end of 2025 through Nepal Trade Priority Program for supporting Nepal for its post-earthquake economic revival, Minister Bhandari said, "I highly commend this facility that the American government provided to Nepal during the then time of distress."

Stating that trade and competitive programs are now in implementation with the support of USAID and collaboration of Nepal's private sector, financial sector and concerned ministries, he expressed the belief that such program would help in professional capacity building of micro, small and middle-scale entrepreneurs as well as to export Nepali products in USA and European market.

Minister Bhandari mentioned that Nepal has received direct foreign investment from the US in different sectors including communication and Information Technology, energy and agriculture, adding the government made attempts to create a more investment-friendly environment amending seven different laws in the eve of recently held investment summit.

The industry minister expected more investment in hydropower, energy, tourism, information technology from the US government.

Similarly, the US Ambassador said the collaboration between US and Nepal would be continued in different sectors including health, education, transport, communication, agriculture and environment.

Explaining that programs of USAID, which was said to be discontinued in past, would be continued, he mentioned that the meeting of Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between the government of Nepal and the government of the United States of America entered into force in 2011 would be held in Nepal on coming September 16 and 17. 

He also assured of taking efforts to expand the deadline as the deadline of the facility exporting 77 different products of Nepal in the US market has remained till the end of 2025.

Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba on Monday.

During the meeting, various matters relating to Nepal-Pakistan relations and cooperation were discussed. 

Nepal and Pakistan have had an excellent relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960.

There is a close collaboration in the areas of economic collaboration, trade and investment, tourism and in the areas of education and culture. 

Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama is seeking a vote of confidence today.

The meeting of the Bagmati Province Assembly is scheduled to begin at 3 pm, according to Purna Bahadur Darji, secretary at Province Assembly secretariat.

CM Lama is undergoing a floor test as per constitutional mandate of securing confidence vote within 30 days of appointment.

Nepali Congress leader Lama was appointed CM on July 23. He is now seeking a vote of confidence as per Article 168 (4) of the constitution of Nepal, and Rule 143 (1) of Province Assembly Regulation, 2074.

The Nepali Congress has 37 members, while ruling partner CPN-UML 27, and CPN (Moist Center) 21, RPP 13, CPN (Unified Socialist) seven and Nepal Workers and Peasants' Party (NWPP) three, and Hamro Nepali Party two.

NC leader Bahadur Sing Lama was appointed as the Chief Minister following the agreement between NC and UML for the coalition government.

Two weeks have elapsed since Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli assumed office, backed decisively by the largest party in the House of Representatives, the Nepali Congress (NC). While it is customary to reserve judgment on a new government’s performance for at least 100 days, vigilant oversight remains essential from the outset.

During this period, Prime Minister Oli has focused on assembling his team, securing a vote of confidence from the Parliament, and receiving briefings from various government agencies. He has appointed key aides, including former Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada as his economic advisor, though appointment of press and foreign affairs advisors remain pending. A close examination of Oli’s first fortnight in office reveals a promising trajectory.

Breaking from tradition, Prime Minister Oli has opted not to prepare a Common Minimum Program (CMP) or announce populist agendas to capture public attention. This contrasts with his previous tenures, as he now seems intent on allowing his administration's results to speak for themselves. Notably, the Nepal Rastra Bank has introduced a new monetary policy, eliciting mixed reactions but holding potential as a remedy for the nation’s economic challenges. Despite a significant downturn in the stock market following the new government’s formation, there is optimism for progress in the real estate sector. The private sector, a crucial driver of growth, is adopting a cautious “wait and see” stance regarding the policy’s efficacy.

Progress is also evident in addressing the contentious issues surrounding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. A tripartite task force comprising the NC, UML, and the CPN (Maoist Center) is nearing a resolution of longstanding issues. If they reach a consensus, it will be a great achievement, given its two-decade history fraught with delays and disagreements. The Maoists, despite their recent ejection from power, are cooperating on TRC matters.

Unlike previous administrations, the Oli-led government has refrained from transferring government secretaries, as well as issuance of extensive, often unimplemented directives. The frequent transfer of secretaries has historically impeded service delivery. Additionally, the government is expediting ambassadorial appointments in key countries following the recall of ambassadors by the previous administration.

However, public scrutiny has emerged in response to some decisions by the UML and NC. The government's transfer of senior police officials has been poorly received, attracting criticism from opposition parties. The NC and UML are amicably resolving disputes over provincial government formations, marking a significant positive development. However, the selection of ministers at the provincial level has faced backlash. 

The administration has also contended with significant tragedies, including the Saurya plane crash and a fatal bus accident in Chitwan, which demanded urgent governmental response. Furthermore, the government had to rescue Nepali students in Bangladesh amid prolonged protests against the quota system in government jobs.

Despite these challenges, the government’s initial performance indicates a positive direction. It has not pursued ambitious yet unfeasible agendas, focusing instead on substantive progress. Criticism from ruling and opposition party leaders has been minimal. Favorable developments in the stock market, monetary policy, real estate sector, and declining inflation have created a conducive environment for the government.

While early indications are promising, numerous challenges remain. The government and political parties must abandon ineffective practices of the past. Prime ministers and ministers, in particular, should prioritize official duties over ceremonial engagements and project inaugurations to ensure continued progress.