Vishnu Kumar Agarwal: Fostering relations between nations via HCC-N

Vishnu Kumar Agarwal is the Managing Director of the MAW Group of Companies and the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Kathmandu. He actively supports the bilateral relationship between Nepal and the Czech Republic. Agarwal is also the dean of the Honorary Consular Corps-Nepal (HCC-N), an organization of non-residential consuls. In this interview, Pratik Ghimire of ApEx talks to Agarwal about the role and work of Honorary Consuls. Excerpts:

What are the key responsibilities of Honorary Consuls?

Honorary Consuls play a crucial role in diplomacy. As the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic in Nepal, I represent the Czech Republic, which is a significant responsibility. If any Czech citizen encounters issues in Nepal, they should contact us for assistance. This is our primary objective. Additionally, we facilitate visits for Czech delegations and embassy officials.

Our role also includes developing relations between the Czech Republic and Nepal for mutual benefit. We promote cultural exchange, showcasing each country’s culture in the other. Furthermore, we foster trade, investment, and tourism between the two nations.

How do Honorary Consuls help in trade, investment, and tourism?

Honorary Consuls facilitate bilateral and multilateral agreements that promote regular discussions on trade and investment. Individually, we promote trade and investment through various means. For instance, my office has many Czech-related books and catalogs that we promote in Nepal.

For the Nepal Investment Summit 2024, we invited all Honorary Consuls and embassies. Through them, invitations reached the business community, resulting in significant participation from the sending countries. We also organize events to promote trade, investment, and tourism. Honorary Consuls in Nepal represent 63 countries, and about 15-20 percent of tourists visiting Nepal come from these nations. These countries also participate in trade fairs, education consultancy, and investment activities.

What were the key takeaways from the peace conclave in Lumbini in March 2024?

The two-day event, ‘Global Peace for Prosperity,’ in Lumbini was organized by HCC-N and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Our goal was to highlight Nepal’s advocacy for peace and the importance of peaceful conflict resolution for a sustainable future.

We invited all ambassadors from the sending countries, and around 20 attended, along with 45 Honorary Consuls and Foreign Ministry officials. This gathering significantly improved diplomatic relations.

The event also aimed to showcase Lumbini, a significant yet underexposed tourist and historical site in Nepal. Many delegates visited Lumbini for the first time and were captivated by the Maya Devi Temple and the story of Lord Buddha’s birth in Nepal. We believe this exposure will boost tourism in the region.

Another objective was to attract participants for the Nepal Investment Summit. Sushil Bhatta, CEO of the Investment Board of Nepal, presented at the event, providing attendees with insights into the summit.

What are the key objectives of the gathering on July 23?

The 17th General Assembly and Charter Day of HCC-N will take place on July 23, where we will hand over leadership. HCC-N, established on July 23, 2007, brings together all Honorary Consuls and Honorary Consul Generals and is affiliated with FICAC, a global network of consular associations. This network allows us to collaborate effectively and address common challenges.

HCC-N has been very successful, especially in facilitating aid during the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2015 earthquake. The Dean serves a one-year term based on seniority among Honorary Consuls.

How are you coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)?

Our engagement with MoFA is extensive. We work closely with MoFA whenever delegates arrive or when individuals from the sending countries need assistance or coordination. MoFA acts as our patron, and we collaborate closely with them. We have received excellent support and assistance from MoFA. Our work indirectly supports and complements MoFA’s efforts.

What are your expectations with the new Minister for Foreign Affairs?

I believe the new Minister is highly experienced in foreign affairs. She has been in public service for a long time and understands diplomacy well. I am confident that under her leadership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will achieve new heights in both bilateral and multilateral relationships. Her extensive experience in dealing with people will likely be transformative for MoFA.