Address by Foreign Secretary Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai to the Honorary Consuls General/Consuls in Kathmandu

Address by Foreign Secretary Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai
to the Honorary Consuls General/Consuls in Kathmandu

02:00 PM, Sunday, 23 November 2025

Honorary Consuls General and Honorary Consuls,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar and Good Afternoon!

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

We are meeting today at a pivotal moment, following the recent political developments in our country.

The Gen-Z movement of 8 and 9 September 2025 called for more inclusive, more responsive and more accountable governance system to realize the needs and aspirations of the people.

It is natural that all democracies experience moments of recalibration, but this transition reflects our collective resolve to realize the full potential of the Federal Democratic Republican System envisioned by our Constitution.

The strength of our democratic institutions is robust. Our society is resilient.  Following the resignation of the previous government, the present government was formed under the leadership of Right Honorable Mrs. Sushila Karki, the first female prime minister of Nepal, with a core mandate of holding elections on 5 March 2026.

With the new government in place, peace returned immediately. The continuity was secured in line with the constitutional and democratic principles and values. Normalcy in public life resumed instantly, reflecting the people’s trust in the new leadership for change.

With General Elections now officially scheduled for 5 March 2026 and the preparations made towards holding the elections on time and in a free, fair and impartial manner, our political journey remains clear, stable, predictable and firmly democratic.

The fundamental tenets of our political journey: clarity in direction, commitment in democracy, carry a reassuring message. That message is clear.

Nepal is open and ready.

• We are open to ideas, innovation and partnership.
• We are open to business, investment, tourism and cultural engagement.
• There are no restrictions, no barriers and no security concerns for travelers, entrepreneurs or investors in Nepal.

Yes, loss of lives, damage and destruction of public and private property did happen during the Gen-z movement. But more importantly, the government, private sector and general people are determined to build the country even better and stronger. In this regard, the Government has established Physical Infrastructures Reconstruction Fund. Voluntary contributions from all sides, including friendly countries, will be appreciated.

This moment offers significant opportunity, and the Honorary Consular community is uniquely placed to make a meaningful contribution. You have both the knowledge of Nepal and the networks abroad to amplify Nepal’s strengths at a time when it matters most.

I therefore request you to convey the following key messages to the governments and people you represent:

1. Macroeconomic Indicators: Despite the loss and damage during the Gen-Z movement, our macroeconomic indicators are strong and stable as assessed by competent agencies.

Investment: We have introduced strong incentives for foreign direct investment and remain committed to facilitating FDI, particularly in clean and renewable energy, modern infrastructures, information technology, agriculture modernization and manufacturing. Nepal is ready and eager to welcome investors (with sovereign credit rating as BB – in the consecutive year), and we encourage you to help us connect with them.

2. Tourism: Nepal warmly welcomes more tourists from all regions. We are expanding our tourism offerings, from adventure and nature to wellness, heritage and culture. Your support in promoting Nepal as a safe, attractive, and accessible destination will have an immediate and positive impact.

This ministry is in close coordination with Nepal Tourism Board and other agencies of the Government. While we have communicated this message through multiple channels, your access, influence, and networks can contribute significantly to achieving stronger results in this sector.

3. Trade: We value rules-based, transparent trading arrangements and encourage all friendly countries to expand trade with Nepal, including in hydropower, agri-products, herbs, handicrafts, and IT services. Many of our products have significant market potential that is yet to be realized.

I know there are supply-side constraints too. But our partnerships will definitely work towards realizing our trade potential. This is even more important and urgent now as we plan to graduate from the LDC status.

4.  Cultural Cooperation: Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions and soft power assets remain among our greatest diplomatic strengths. We welcome initiatives that deepen cultural exchanges, educational linkages, youth interactions and knowledge partnerships. We must build institutions in partnerships with world class universities and educational institutions so that our students can have world class education here at home.

5. People-to-People Ties: These are the foundation of long-term international friendship. We have our diaspora present in different parts of the world. Your ongoing engagement helps cultivate these ties in a sustained and meaningful way.

6. Ideas and Initiatives: We welcome any idea, big or small, that brings mutual benefit to Nepal and your respective countries. You are well placed to identify practical opportunities in IT sector, tourism promotion, investment facilitation, environmental cooperation and social-sector projects.

7. Election Observation: As Nepal is going to hold the elections on 5 March 2026, we look forward to welcoming international observers as per the registrations that was opened by the Election Commission.

You all are prominent figures within Nepali society. And you all are trusted representatives of friendly nations. I am confident that your work contributes significantly to strengthen and multiply mutual benefits.

I would like to express the Ministry’s deep appreciation for your constructive engagement, your continued support and your willingness to serve as bridges between Nepal and the world.

In closing, let me reiterate the core of our message:

Nepal is stable. Nepal is confident. And Nepal is ready for deeper partnerships with all friendly countries in all areas of mutual benefit.

Thank you.