- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, April 26: Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani,paid a two-day state visit to Nepal on April 23-24.This is the first visit by any Head-of-State from the Arab country to Nepal. The visit by the Amir of Qatar, an economically prosperous country, for the first time has been taken as historic.
The two countries signed important agreements and MoUs during the Qatari Amir’s state visit. Nepal’s Ambassador to Qatar, Dr Naresh Bikram Dhakal, played an important role behind the scene for preparing for this visit. He is serving as Nepal’s ambassador to Qatar since the last two years. RSS reporters Bhishma Raj Ojha and Ashok Ghimire talked to Dr Dhakal regarding the Qatari Amir’s visit and its achievement and other topics in this context. Here is the synopsis of the interview:
Asked about the preparations for the visit and the behind-the-scene role he played as Nepal’s ambassador to Qatar for making the Amir’s visit successful, Ambassador Dhakal said that he had kept this (the Qatari Amir’s visit to Nepal) as the second point in his action plan that he presented in the Parliamentary Hearing Committee before his appointment to the post. He divulged that when presenting the Letter of Credence to the Qatari Amir, he proposed to him to pay a visit to Nepal and the Amir had shared to him that time that he was very busy due to the FIFA World Cup to be organized in Qatar in 2022, and that he would visit Nepal in 2023 at an appropriate time. Ambassador Dhakal said he was so excited by this and held meetings with the Amir five times during the two years’ period. Ambassador Dhakal added that the Amir had given him assurances that he would be paying a visit to Nepal within 2023 and accordingly, the date of November 6-7, 2023 was set for the visit. But the visit could not take place on the set date due to special reason. However, it was possible after about six months of this date.
To the question how fruitful has the Amir’s visit to Nepal been, Ambassador Dhakal described that the visit of the Amir of an economically prosperous country like Qatar to Nepal for the first time as historic in the context of nobody in the capacity of the Head of State from Arab nation visiting Nepal before this.
“We have much expectation from this visit as well. However, seen instantly, some people might underestimate it looking at some MoUs signed during the visit. But this visit has historic significance. This visit has provided with the motivation to the Heads of State of other Arab nations to visit Nepal. This visit has drastically changed the way the people of other countries looked at the Nepalis working in Qatar. Therefore, the importance of the Amir’s visit to Nepal cannot be seen only by analyzing the statements, data and statistics, rather it has to be internalized and its outcome will be witnessed in the long term.”
Ambassador Dhakal said that the MoUs signed between Nepal and Qatar during the visit covered wider areas of cooperation and collaboration and Nepal has to make extensive preparations in order to see the results.
He said that during the bilateral talks with the Qatari Amir, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ put his view that the Qatar Airlines started flights from Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA) and the Pokhara International Airport (PIA). Similarly, Nepal has given priority to tourism, agriculture and energy for Qatari side’s investment and to this the Qatar’s king suggested moving ahead by forming the joint taskforce for exploring the possibilities of investment in these sectors by carrying out studies for the same.
“The visit of the Qatari Amir has concluded just recently. I am also going to Qatar after some days. We will start works on starting flights from GBIA and PIA as quickly as possible. We are holding a meeting soon with the Qatari delegation that visited Nepal. I will make strong efforts for formation of the high-level taskforce. However, my lone efforts might not suffice for this. Since this is the topic the Qatari Amir himself has spoken, it attaches special significance. I am confident that the said taskforce will bring in Qatar’s investment in the agriculture, tourism and energy sectors as per our expectations,” Dr Dhakal said.
Stating that Nepal and Qatar have not signed agreement on investment security, he said this matter would also be seriously discussed as the private sector investors want to take profit from their investments. He added that efforts would also be made for a high-level visit from Nepal to Qatar.
On the topic of review of the Labour Agreement between Nepal and Qatar, Ambassador Dhakal said the agreement has not been reviewed even in 18 years since it was signed. Nepal’s view on this is that the topic of supply of domestic helpers from Nepal should also be included in the agreement in the context of Qatar demanding for such workforce. There is vast difference in the nature of work of workers in other sectors and that of the domestic helpers.
“We have not abandoned our stance from our side that rather than hurry, the long-term solution should be sought on the topic of domestic workers. We have also said that the Agreement is outdated. The current market price has gone up drastically. Nepal has put the view that the basic salary of the workers should be reviewed,” he added.
Ambassador Dhakal further said that this topic is in the process of discussion for now as it is a topic that is not concluded with only one country finalizing the basic salary of the workers. “But let us hope, revision of the Labour Agreement is the need of both countries and we will take to a logical conclusion as early as possible.”
Asked about his take on the agreement on exchange of news and cooperation between Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) and the Qatar News Agency (QNA), the state media of the two countries, during the Amir’s visit, he described the agreement as highly important for both countries as it will consolidate the bilateral ties at the people’s level.
“People of both countries would be benefited by this as the exchange of news between the two state-run news agencies will facilitate the news media in both countries to use the authentic news produced by the news agencies. This also creates an environment conducive for exchange of news and information between the two news agencies. Its implementation is important now. We should work towards that and I am ready to provide the required facilitation for the same.”
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151 projects to be presented for FDI in Third Investment Summit
Kathmandu, April 26: One hundred and fifty-one projects are to be showcased in the Third Investment Summit 2024 taking place in the federal capital on April 28 and 29. The Summit has the objective of implementing projects promoting the economy, including establishing factories and industries by bringing in foreign direct investment in these sectors.
These projects are believed to contribute to the overall development of the country and external investment together with the government’s and the private sector’ investment is necessary for managing adequate capital, technology and human resources for implementation of these projects.
The 58th Meeting of the Investment Board has decided to call for letter of intent and hold extensive discussions with the investors for the projects.
Among the projects being showcased in the Summit, the highest number is from the energy sector. Thirty one projects in the energy sector are being presented for investment, said Board’s spokesman Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay.
Similarly, among these projects, 19 are related to the transport sector, 13 to the mining and minerals sector, 13 to the tourism sector, 14 to the agriculture sector, five to the production sector, seven to the industrial infrastructure and trade sector, three to the health and education sector, two to the communications and information technology sector, four to water supply sector and six to urban development sector.
Likewise, the private sector is also showcasing 31 projects for foreign direct investment in the Summit.
“The GoN has attached high priority to the private sector investment, including foreign direct investment (FDI). Relevant laws have been amended/ enacted to foster an investment-friendly environment, accompanied by streamlined procedures aimed at bolstering ease of doing business. To bridge resources and technology gaps for the country’s economic development, the government is resolute in augmenting foreign investment commitments and inflows,” Upadhyay added.
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1,000 people provided free health treatment services in Bhojpur
Bhojpur, April 26: More than 1,000 people of two local levels in northern area of Bhojpur district have been benefited from free health services.
A total of 1,073 locals of Khadananda municipality and Salpasilichho rural municipality, who were deprived of health services due to poverty, received health services from specialist doctors. The health camp was organised by Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital where 134 people with health complexities were recommended for surgery.
Nil Bahadur Khadgi, 64, of Khadananda municipality-6 and a local Pabitra Darjee were happy to get different types of health services at their area.
Different types of treatment services including cardio-related, orthopedic, ENT, dental, neuro surgery, lungs, liver, gynecological were provided during the health camp. Similarly, lab test, video x-ray services were also provided free of cost in the camp.
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CIDCA Chair calls on PM Dahal
Kathmandu, April 26: Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Luo Zhaohui, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ today.
In the meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence at Baluwatar, they discussed the economic development of Nepal as well as the upcoming Investment Summit, said Dr Rupak Sapkota, the Prime Minister’s advisor on foreign affairs.
On the occasion, PM Dahal said the relations subsisting between Nepal and China have been elevated to new height with the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries in recent times and the implementation of bilateral agreements has gained an impetus.
“Additional border checkpoints between Nepal and China have come into operation. The people of the border areas have been convenience due to this. I have found that Chinese investors have shown interest also in the Investment Summit taking place in Nepal,” the Prime Minister said.
CIDCA Chair Zhaohui said the Chinese investors wanted to invest in the construction of the power transmission line of Nepal and in the feasibility study of the Tokha-Chhahare tunnelway, among other sectors.
Dr Sapkota, Nepal’s ambassador to China, Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador of China to Nepal, Chen Song, among other officials were present during the meeting.
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ADB Vice-President Yang pays courtesy call on PM Dahal
Kathmandu, April 26: Vice-President (South, Central and West Asia) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Yingming Yang, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar today, they discussed the issues of economic development of Nepal and upcoming investment summit, according to the Prime Minister Dahal’s Secretariat.
On the occasion, PM Dahal said Nepal is the appropriate destination for investment, adding there is ADB’s significant investment in Nepal’s physical infrastructure development.
He shared that Nepal would present effective and investment-worthy projects in the investment summit taking place in Nepal.
“The government has built an appropriate environment for investment by making legal and policy-level revision. It is the best opportunity of investment in Nepal”, underscored PM Dahal.
Stating that ADB was ready to investment in Nepal’s strategic projects, Vice-President Yang explained that the ADB would prepare strategy to further invest in Nepal in coming days.
Dr Rupak Sapkota, Foreign Affairs advisor to PM Dahal, high-ranking officials of ADB in Nepal were present on the occasion.
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PM Dahal arrives in Morang
Sundarharaicha (Morang), April 26: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has arrived in Morang via a helicopter of the Nepali Army a while ago.
He arrived here for attending the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Purbanchal University located at Gothgaun in Morang.
Chief District Officer of Morang, chiefs of security bodies and office-bearers of the University welcomed PM Dahal.
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Mayors’ Forum requests Finance Minister Pun to settle electricity dues
Patan (Lalitpur), April 26: The Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum has requested Finance Minister Barshaman Pun to settle the electricity dues of the local governments up to current fiscal year.
The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) had, three months ago, sent a circular along with electricity bill to the local levels to pay the electricity dues.
Reaching the Finance Ministry on Thursday, a delegation led by President of the Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum and Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Chiribabu Maharjan, urged the Finance Minister Pun for the same.
President Maharjan said they would pay electricity charge from coming fiscal year.
“Let us settle the electricity dues up to the current fiscal year and adopt the ’60/40 arrangement’ from coming fiscal year. There should be an arrangement of bearing 60 per cent electricity charge, of the total electricity charge, by local level and 40 per cent by NEA,” he underlined.
Local levels and Mayors’ Forum of the Kathmandu Valley have been protesting after the NEA sent a circular to the local levels asking them to clear the electricity tariff from 2074 BS.
The delegation members complained that the amount mentioned in the bill was not accurate. He blamed the NEA of making people’s representatives involved in the campaign of making Kathmandu Valley bright and safe disappointed.
Mayor of Chandragiri municipality and Forum General-Secretary Ghanshyam Giri, shared that they were ready to pay electricity tariff from coming fiscal year.
Earlier, the Forum delegation had requested Energy Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet to rethink about the electricity tariff amount of local levels.
Similarly, Finance Minister said they would move ahead holding discussion about the demands put forth by Kathmandu Valley Mayors’ Forum.
He expressed commitment to holding discussion on legal issues as well as amendment to laws in the context of settling electricity dues. The Finance Minister also directed the NEA not to disconnect the power supply of local levels.
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PM Dahal stresses on reforms in university curriculum to stop brain drain
Kathmandu, April 26: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pointed out the need of making timely reforms in the educational curriculum to stop the brain drain.
Prime Minister Dahal expressed such view while addressing the 12th Convocation Ceremony of the Purbanchal University today.
“It is necessary to make drastic change in curriculum to stop intellectual brain drain by boosting the sentiment among youth-students of doing something for the nation staying here”, he explained.
The PM stressed, “Curriculum should be prepared keeping technology-based innovation and research on top priority. There is a need of professional education linking with prosperity.”
Stating that the country could not achieve prosperity without participation of youths, he laid emphasis on youth-targeted entrepreneurship and innovation as well as increasing production and creating employment through human resources development.
The country is looking at youths’ passion, skill, knowledge and capacity and seeking their contribution, the Prime Minister said, “The country can take benefit from 40 per cent youths of the total population of the country and we should utilize this historic opportunity.”
He further said it was necessary to change the existing educational system and situation of educational unemployment created by the existing educational system, and directed the schools and universities to impart technical and skill oriented education as educational institutions have been imparting knowledge in a traditional way.
Prime Minister Dahal added that the government has shown special attention to increase people’s access to quality health service and education.
“The Purbanchal University should bring a medical college into operation by constructing necessary structures at its premises and quality health services should be provided to the people of this area”, he mentioned.
The PM explained, “The Purbanchal University got the permission of running the medical college at my initiatives. I will take initiative to provide affordable and quality health services to the people of this area in coming days.”
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Nepal and China sign two important agreements
Kathmandu, April 26: Nepal and China have signed two important agreements in the presence of Finance Minister Barshaman Pun.
Secretary at the Finance Ministry, Madhu Kumar Marasini, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr Roshan Pokharel, and Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Luo Zhaohui, signed the agreements amidst a programme organised at the Finance Ministry today.
The agreement signed with Finance Ministry is related to human resources development cooperation for global development initiative while the agreement signed with the Health Ministry is related to bone marrow transplant.
China had expressed commitment to provide support to start bone marrow transplant service in Nepal during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to China in September 2023.
As per the agreement, China will provide financial assistance to BP Koirala Memorial Hospital for the operation of bone marrow transplant service.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Pun thanked China for its continuous support in Nepal’s development endeavours.
He mentioned that Nepal and China have been moving ahead at mutual cooperation sincerely respecting each other’s aspirations and sensitivity. The Finance Minister laid emphasis on the need of implementing the remaining bilateral agreements signed during high-level visit of both countries.
Sharing that China is in the top position among the countries for foreign investment in the world and Nepali is hosting an investment summit, he urged China to increase its assistance and investment in Nepal in coming days.
Similarly, Luo Zhaohui, who is leading the Chinese delegation, said Nepal is a good friend of China and China is always with Nepal in its development.
He expressed commitment to implement every issue of agreements signed during Nepal visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Dahal’s China visit.
Stating that they are now in Nepal in context of Third International Investment Summit, he mentioned that Nepal will get Chinese investment during the summit.
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Political freedom untenable in absence of freedom of Press, expression: Minister Sharma
Patan (Lalitpur), April 26: Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has said that political freedom cannot be achieved in the absence of freedom of the Press and of expression.
Addressing the 14th convention and annual general meeting of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Lalitpur chapter here today, she said the Press freedom and political freedom were connected and the latter could not be achieved in the absence of the freedom of expression.
“In a federal democratic republican polity, the aspirations of all should be internalized on the basis of inclusiveness. The Press freedom and the freedom of expression are important for this,” Minister Sharma said, calling upon one and all to establish the practice of fair journalism by accepting the change in technology.
Pointing out to the need of revising the outdated Acts accepting the change that has come with the technology, she said preparations are being made to table in Parliament the Media Council Bill and the Mass Communication Bill despite of the procedural delays.
According to her, preparations are being made for presenting in the Parliament the legislations related to cyber security and regulation of social media and the laws to prevent the irregularities in the advertising market of Nepal.
The Communication and Information Technology Minister expressed her belief that the problems could be resolved in a sustainable manner once the policy-related issues are addressed.
Noting that the media has an important role to play in correcting the faults in the constitution and thereby bringing a change in the nation’s condition for the better, she called for a broader campaign by the media to establish the rule of law through the practical implementation of the constitution.
“Although constitutionally the daughters have the inheritance right, it has not been implemented in practice. Still, it is difficult to get citizenship from the District Administration Office in the mother’s name. The media should facilitate in this by exposing the loopholes in the laws,” she asserted.
Stating that a negative thinking has been developing in society towards the present political system and movement, she urged journalists to push their pens for developing a positive outlook and for administrative reforms. “The mistake committed by the drivers of the system should not be taken as the fault of the system itself,” she argued. Those committing mistake will be brought to book sooner or later, she added.
President of the National Network of Democratic Print Media, Damodar Prasad Dawadi alleged that the FNJ has missed out the working journalists’ membership in its ‘membership sanctification’ campaign.
FNJ Valley Region Committee president Shreejan Jha, FNJ Lalitpur chapter president Sagar Neupane, among other speakers, underlined the need of systematizing the country’s journalism.
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