Press Release- Economic Diplomacy Programme in Karnali Province

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, in coordination with the Karnali Province, organised an interactive event on "Programme on Economic Diplomacy in Karnali Province for the Promotion of Export Trade, Investment and Tourism" on 7 April 2026 (2082 Chaitra 24) in Birendranagar, Surkhet.

Delivering the key remarks, Hon. Mr Yamlal Kandel, Chief Minister of Karnali Province, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts amongst Federal, Provincial and Local Governments for the effective implementation of policies and programmes related to economic diplomacy to achieve Nepal's economic growth, development and prosperity.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Mr Rajeev Bikram Shah, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning of the Province, underscored the need for prioritising hydropower, sports tourism and the export of organic produce for the economic prosperity and progress of the Province.

Mr Ashok Nath Yogi, Member of the Karnali Province Planning Commission, said that the integration of economic diplomacy into provincial development strategies is crucial to meet the aims and goals as outlined in the Provincial Development Plan.

Mr Birendra Kumar Yadav, Principal Secretary of the Karnali Province highlighted the importance of interactive programmes between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Provinces for policy alignment and result orientation.

Mrs Mohan Maya Dhakal (Bhandari), Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality, expressed that municipal-level commitment and initiatives are key to promoting trade, investment and tourism.

Mr Lila Prasad Sharma, Province Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning, presented the economic policies and programmes of Karnali Province.

Mr Mani Ratna Sharma, Joint Secretary and Head of the Economic Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the participants. Highlighting the significance of economic diplomacy in achieving the national goals of economic development and prosperity, he shared the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepali Missions abroad in promoting export, investment and tourism among other potential areas.

The programme featured presentations from Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Investment Board Nepal (IBN); Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning; Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Karnali Province; Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI); Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA).

Secretaries of various Ministries of the Provincial Government, experts, academics, and representatives from various stakeholder agencies mentioned above were present in the programme.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Singhadurbar, Kathmandu

7 April 2026