Foreign Minister Saud urges US business community to invest in Nepal
Foreign Minister NP Saud, who is presently on an official visit to the United States of America, has urged the US business community to invest in Nepal, citing that Nepal offers better investment opportunities.
He said that Nepal has created an investment-friendly environment, including constitutional provisions that allow foreign investors to take back profits and capital to their home countries. Minister Saud assured the US investors that the Nepal government is dedicated to further promoting an investment-friendly atmosphere and making Nepal an attractive destination for investment.
During an interaction with the members of the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC on Wednesday, he urged the US business community to consider expanding investment in Nepal. He talked about the high potential for exporting electricity generated in Nepal to neighboring countries when there is a growing need to promote the use of clean energy to reduce carbon emissions. In this situation, the US investors are likely to make good profits by investing in Nepal, according to the Minister.
Describing information technology as another promising area for the US investment in Nepal, he said,' I am confident that IT will be a game changer in Nepal's economic transformations.'
He informed the Chamber representatives that the government has already introduced a new policy allowing the establishment of an IT company with an investment of as low as Rs 100, while other sectors require a minimum investment of Rs 20 million. "Nepal has ensured that investments of up to Rs 100 million do not require prior permission as per an automated system for foreign investment."
On the occasion, the US Chamber of Commerce endorsed the establishment of the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal.
John G. Murphy, Senior Vice President for International Policy, US Chamber of Commerce and another Chamber Vice President Atul Kashyap said the concerns of US investors regarding Nepal were growing.
The US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson, Nepal's Ambassador to the US Sridhar Khatri, officials from the Nepali Embassy in Washington DC and the Foreign Ministry employees were also present in the event.
In recent years, Nepal has accorded top priority to the economic diplomacy and mobilized its diplomatic missions abroad to promote foreign investment and tourism back to home.
Minister Saud, US Senator Hollen hold talks
Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud, who is currently on an official visit to the United States of America, continued the official engagements on the third day of the visit by meeting Senator Chris Van Hollen on Wednesday.
During the meeting with a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, the Minister discussed various aspects of the Nepal-US bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of exchange of parliamentary experiences between the two nations, according to the Nepali Embassy in Washington DC.
It may be noted that Hollen had visited Nepal last September and he had a significant role in drafting the bill relating to the Temporary Protected Status targeting the Nepali community in the US. He is regarded as an influential democratic leader and represents Maryland in the US Senate.
Nepal's Ambassador to the US Shreedhar Khatri and Deputy Chief of the Mission Kumar Kharel among others were also present in the meeting.
Foreign Minister Saud, US Secretary of State Blinken hold meeting
Foreign Minister NP Saud held a bilateral meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken at the Department of State in Washington DC on Monday.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on matters of common interest in bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of common concern.
On the occasion, both sides expressed satisfaction over the current state of bilateral relations between Nepal and the USA while renewing their commitment to expand and deepen engagements across the areas of mutual interests, said the Embassy of Nepal based in Washington DC, USA.
The Foreign Minister highlighted development priorities of Nepal in the context of the country’s graduation from the least developed country and called for enhanced levels of support from the United States in the areas of trade and investment, market access, food security and IT sector, among others.
He requested the United States for reauthorization and expansion of Nepal Trade Preference Program (NTPP) and GSP facilities by adding new exportable items of interest for Nepal.
Minister Saud thanked the US government for its continued cooperation for socio-economic development of Nepal, including the recent US assistance through USAID and Millennium Challenge Compact. Both sides stressed the importance of timely implementation of the projects under the MCC.
Appreciating Nepal’s progress in consolidating democratic governance, Secretary Blinken expressed that the US Government wishes to see Nepal as a strong and prosperous democracy. Secretary Blinken assured the Foreign Minister that the US would continue its support to Nepal’s development endeavors.
The two sides also exchanged views on Nepal-US cooperation in multilateral forums, and other matters of common concern in regional and global affairs, including the ongoing situation in the Middle-East.
The Foreign Minister signed the guest book at the State Department prior to the meeting.
During the bilateral meeting, Minister Saud was accompanied by Ambassador Sridhar Khatri and other senior officials from the Ministry and the Embassy. Secretary Blinken was accompanied by US Ambassador to Nepal Dean Thompson and senior officials from the Department of State.
Later in the evening, Ambassador Sridhar Khatri hosted a reception at his residence in honor of the Foreign Minister in presence of senior officials from various US agencies including the White House, Department of State, USAID, and MCC, as well as members of diplomatic corps, and representatives of Nepali American community.
Foreign Minister arrived in Washington DC for the bilateral visit on Monday morning.
UN Secretary General Guterres, Foreign Minister Saud hold meeting
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Foreign Minister NP Saud held a meeting at Foreign Ministry in Singha Durbar on Sunday.
According to the Foreign Ministry, issues like world peace, Nepal’s peace process and climate change were discussed in the meeting.
Guterres, who arrived in Nepal on a four-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Saturday night, is scheduled to meet President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today itself.
Similarly, the Secretary-General will have separate meetings with Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, the Ministry said.
“Preparations being made to repatriate mortal remains of 10 Nepalis killed in Hamas attack”
Foreign Minister NP Saud has said that preparations are being made to repatriate the bodies of Nepali students killed in armed attacks by Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist militant group which rules the Gaza Strip, in Israel.
During a program organized in the Capital on Monday, Minister Saud said that the Israeli government has handed over five bodies out of 10 to the concerned Nepali authority in Israel. So, preparations are being made to bring the bodies back home as soon as possible.
He said that the other five bodies will be handed over to Nepal after completing the due process.
Minister Saud further said that they are coordinating with the government of other Gulf countries who have relations with Hamas to search for student Bipin Joshi who has been missing in Israel.
The government has already evacuated 254 Nepalis from Israel.
The government is also taking initiatives to rescue other Nepalis who wish to return to Nepal.
Foreign Minister Saud urges people not to visit Israel
Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has urged people not to visit Israel individually or politically except in case of official decisions at the political level.
His statements come in the wake of wars between Hamas and Israel.
The minister made this statement while informing the Foreign Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives about the attacks in Israel by Hamas and the situation of Nepalis in war-torn Israel.
Saying the situation in Israel is sensitive following Hamas attacks, he urged people not to politicize this situation.
"The situation is sensitive. So, people are requested not to visit Israel at person or political levels except in case of political decisions. We should not politicize this situation."
In the meeting, lawmakers praised the Government of Nepal for its rescue of Nepali people trapped in Israel. They also suggested the government continue rescue efforts.
All Nepalis employed as caregivers in Israel are safe: Minister Saud
Foreign Minister NP Saud has said that continuous efforts are being made to keep Nepalis, who are at risk in Israel, in a safer place.
During a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives held in Singha Durbar on Tuesday morning, Minister Saud said that 55 Nepalis have been relocated to a safer place with the help of Israel government on Monday.
He said that initiatives are being taken to keep other students, who are at risk, in a safer place.
Minister Saud said that 55 Nepalis—32 of Sudurpaschim University and 23 of Agriculture and Forest Science University—who have been taking refuge in a risky area in comparison to the southern part of Israel, have been relocated to a safer place.
He said that arrangements have also been made to keep some Nepalis, who are staying in the farm houses in the northern region, in the bunkers in a safe way.
Minister Saud further said that online registration has been started to collect details of the Nepalis, who want to return to Nepal, from the Nepali Embassy and more than 200 have been received so far.
The Minister said the aircrafts of Nepal Airlines and Himalaya Airlines are on standby to carry out rescue operations.
According to Minister Saud, coordination and facilitation are being made with the government of Israel to identify the actual situation of Nepalis and to rescue them.
Around 4,500 Nepalis are currently employed as caregivers in Israel. Additionally, there are 265 Nepali students studying there as part of the ‘Learn and Earn’ program of the Israeli government, Foreign Minister Saud had said in the Parliament meeting on Sunday.
Ten Nepali students enrolled in educational institutions in the southern region of Israel have lost their lives in the attack by Hamas on Israel.
According to Nepali Ambassador to Israel Kanta Rijal, the deceased have been identified as Narayan Prasad Neupane and Ashish Chaudhary of Kailali, Ganesh Kumar Nepali of Bajhang, Dipesh Raj Bist and Lokendra Singh Dhami of Darchula, Anand Sah of Dhanusha, Rajesh Kumar Swarnkar of Sunsari, Rajan Phulara of Doti, Padam Thapa and Prabesh Bhandari of Salyan.
Dhan Bahadur Chaudhary from Tikapur, Himanchal Kattel from Gorkha, and Bidhan Sejuwal from Salyan were injured in the attack. They are receiving treatment at a local hospital. Reports suggest that one of the injured is in a critical condition. A person is still missing.
Govt fully committed to help, coordinate and facilitate Nepalis in Israel: Minister Saud
Foreign Minister NP Saud has said that the government is fully committed to help, coordinate and facilitate the Nepalis living in Israel.
While informing the Parliament about the situation of Nepalis in Israel on Sunday, he said that the government is committed to provide necessary support and rescue to the Nepalis in Israel saying that Israel's security environment will remain complex for some time.
He said that the Embassy of Nepal in Israel is coordinating with the government of Israel for the safety, rescue and support of Nepalis.
According to the Nepali Embassy in Israel, 4, 500 Nepalis are working as caregivers in Israel, Foreign Minister Saud said.
He said that 265 Nepali students had gone to Israel through the Learn and Earn Program of the Israeli government.
According to Minister Saud, 119 students from Agricultural University, 97 from Tribhuvan University and 49 from Far-Western University went to Israel through the program.
Among them, 17 students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, were studying in Kibbutz Alumim, Israel.
According to the Embassy, among the students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, three were injured in the attack and two are safe, Minister Saud said.
The injured are undergoing treatment at a local hospital. Remaining 12 persons have not come into contact, he said.
At least 232 people have been killed and 1,600 wounded in the attack by Hamas forces into Israel.
12 Nepalis have not come into contact: Minister Saud says while informing House about Israel attack
Foreign Minister NP Saud has informed the Parliament about the attack in Israel.
Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday, the foreign minister informed the House about the situation of Nepalis in Israel.
According to the Nepali Embassy in Israel, 4, 500 Nepalis are working as caregivers in Israel, Foreign Minister Saud said.
He said that 265 Nepali students had gone to Israel through the Learn and Earn Program of the Israeli government.
According to Minister Saud, 119 students from Agricultural University, 97 from Tribhuvan University and 49 from Far-Western University went to Israel through the program.
Among them, 17 students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, were studying in Kibbutz Alumim, Israel.
According to the Embassy, among the students, who had gone to Israel from Far-Western University, three were injured in the attack and two are safe, Minister Saud said.
The injured are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Remaining 12 persons have not come into contact, he said.
At least 232 people have been killed and 1,600 wounded in the attack by Hamas forces into Israel.
Foreign Minister Saud meets with former US Secretary of State Pompeo
Foreign Minister NP Saud met with former US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday.
Minister Saud is currently in New York to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the meeting, matters related to mutual interest and cooperation between the two countries were discussed.
Nepali Ambassador to the US Sridhar Khatri was also present in the meeting.
Nepal ready to collaborate with ACD: Minister Saud
Minister for Foreign Affairs NP Saud has said that Nepal has given top priority to the Asian Cooperation Dialogue.
Nepal accords top priority to regional initiatives including the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). He was speaking at the conference of ministers of Asian countries held at the United Nations headquarters on Wednesday.
Minister Saud also added that Nepal is ready to work with all members of the ACD in accordance with its objectives and agree to successfully implement the key issues it has adopted.
Nepal became a member of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue in March 2016.
The ACD was established in June 2002 in Cha-Am, Thailand, where 18 Asian Foreign Ministers met together for the first time.
The ACD is a continent-wide forum, the first of its kind in Asia, which aims to constitute the missing link in Asia by incorporating every Asian country and building an Asian Community without duplicating other organizations or creating a bloc against others.
A key principle is to consolidate Asian strengths and fortify Asia's competitiveness by maximizing the diversity and rich resources evident in Asia.
The core values of the ACD are positive thinking; informality; voluntarism; non-institutionalization; openness; respect for diversity; the comfort level of member countries; and the evolving nature of the ACD process, it is stated in the official website of the regional body.
Foreign Minister Saud meets with UN Under-Secretary-General Lacroix
Foreign Minister NP Saud, who is in New York to attend the UN General Assembly, called on UN Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Monday.
On the occasion, the two discussed the training and security of Nepali security personnel mobilized under the UN for peacekeeping missions in different countries.
Similarly, Minister Saud met Finnish Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio. Matters relating to bilateral relations, mutual interest and cooperation were discussed in the meeting.
On the sideline of the UNGA, Minister Saud also called on the first Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, Dr Ivica Dačić. Issues of bilateral relations were discussed during the meeting.
Foreign Minister Saud also called on his Romanian counterpart, Luminița Odobescu.
Foreign Minister Saud holds meeting with UN political chief
Foreign Minister NP Saud, who is in New York to participate in the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General for Politics and Peacekeeping Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo.
During the meeting held on Sunday, they discussed matters related to world peace and security. Various other initiatives to be taken for the establishment of peace were also discussed, according to the Permanent Mission of Nepali to the United Nations.
Foreign Secretary Bharatraj Paudyal and Head of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations Lok Bahadur Thapa among others were present in the meeting.
Foreign Minister Saud hold meeting with his Indian counterpart
Foreign Minister NP Saud and his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar held a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Monday.
The duo held the meeting while taking part in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member countries.
Both sides said that the meeting held during the two-day meeting of the foreign ministers of BIMSTEC in Bangkok was productive.
External Affairs Minister of India S Jayshankar said that the meeting with his Nepali counterpart was fruitful.
After the meeting, he said that India is ready to work with Nepal on the issues of mutual interest.
Implementation of BRI under discussion: Government
The government has said discussions are on regarding implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. Nepal and China signed an agreement on the BRI project in 2017.
Delivering a statement in the National Assembly meeting today, Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud said, "Discussions are being held between the two countries regarding implementation of BRI."
Though the agreement on BRI was reached in 2017, no decision has been made so far on the modality of moving ahead the projects. Before this, Ambassador of China to Nepal, Chen Song had claimed during the inauguration of Pokhara International Airport on January 1, 2023 that a project under the BRI had been implemented.
Foreign Affairs Minister Saud however said that no project has been moved ahead under the BRI before this as well.
He said that a feasibility study of the Kerung-Kathmandu Railway and the Inter-country Power Transmission Line between the two countries is being carried out. These projects were signed during the visit of China's then Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nepal in March 2022.
Stating that diplomatic initiatives were being made to build independent view in international relations on the basis of merits and demerits, he said, "Nepal's diplomatic efforts are directed towards building independent opinion on international issues on the basis of merits and demerits, voting and making the international ties just, fair, responsible and cooperative."
During the deliberation on budget and programme allocated for the Foreign Ministry and subordinate bodies under the Appropriation Bill, 2060, former Foreign Minister Bimala Paudyal Rai enquired whether Nepal deviated from the non-aligned foreign policy.
Stating that Nepal has been strengthening and expanding relations with other countries including neighboring countries on the basis of universal equality, mutual respect and benefit, Minister Saud mentioned that Nepal has been able to achieve credibility and respect in the world due to the independent, balanced, impartial and objective point of view it has adopted.
Foreign Minister Saud had participated in the Summit of Non-Aligned Movement held at Baku of Azerbaijan from July 3-6. The Foreign Minister briefed the upper house of the Federal Parliament about his address in the Summit.
"I had expressed the commitment of the Government of Nepal on collaboration for further highlighting the relevance and significance of the Non-Aligned Movement in the changing international scenario as well as laid emphasis on solidarity and collaboration of Non-Aligned Movement member countries for the resolution of burning political and economic issues of the world. Therefore, I would like to make it clear that Nepal's commitment towards adopting non-aligned foreign policy is consistent," he said.