Chandra Dhakal elected new HCC-N dean

The Honorary Consul Corps-Nepal (HCC-N) celebrated its Charter Day and convened the 17th Annual General Meeting at Hotel Marriott Kathmandu on Tuesday. On the occasion, Chandra Dhakal, Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Nepal, was elected as the new Dean of HCC-N. Outgoing Dean Vishnu Agarwal handed over the deanship and organization’s logo to Dhakal.

With 62 Honorary Consuls/Consul Generals representing countries without residential diplomatic missions in Nepal, HCC-N plays a pivotal role in promoting economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Nepal and these nations, claims the organization. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, the Chief Guest of the event, acknowledged the significant contributions of Honorary Consuls and Consul General in enhancing Nepal’s international relations. She emphasized the importance of economic diplomacy in attracting foreign investment from the represented countries.

Outgoing Dean Agarwal underscored the values of service, volunteerism, and goodwill that define HCC-N’s initiatives. He highlighted that the Lumbini Conclave on ‘Global Peace and Prosperity’ was successful in promoting the message of peace, tourism, trade and mutual understanding among nations. The conclave, organized on the aegis of HCCN, was attended by 19 non-residential ambassadors and mission representatives. 

In his address as the new Dean, Dhakal outlined his vision for HCCN, emphasizing its role in advancing economic diplomacy and safeguarding the interests of sending states. He pledged to strengthen partnerships with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to capitalize on emerging opportunities for Nepal’s economic growth and development. “I assure you the HCCN will actively lobby for increased FDI and the signing of BIAs with as many countries as possible. Our efforts will bring substantial investment into Nepal and contribute to our nation’s economic growth,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of a conducive investment climate in Nepal. 

The event also launched the HCC-N website (www.hcc-nepal.org).