The post Nepali New Year 2075 Celebrations appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>Marking the entry of new year, the Nepalese Association of Houston has planned for grand celebrations in Houston on April 13, 2018.
The event being partnered by Kancha Production and DJ Anup USA begins will begin at 7.30 PM on April 13, 2018 followed by dinner and will continue till 1:00 AM midnight.
Marking the special day, another live musical concert with Nima Rumba, Cine Gurung and Sunita Dulal is also being held at Bellozino, Queens, New York. The event is being hosted by Bishwa Bahadur Shah also has DJ performances by LS & Rokesh.
On the eve, Nepalese Society of Texas is also hosting a special program called SUBHAKAMANA 2075- A New year Mela, which is going to be a fun event with kids carnival, cultural performances, live music, DJs, food stalls, raffles and much more. The Mela will be held at Lonestar Park in Grand Prairie, TX.
Event Date and Time:
Date: April 13, 2018; Time: 9:30 PM – 1:00 AM (midnight)
Note: Free entry for children before 12 years; Online payment: USD 25 and Door Payment: USD 30
Location:
Taj Hall, 5615 Savoy Dr, Houston, TX 77036, USA
Contact Info:
Nepalese Association of Houston
6776 Southwest Freeway, Suite 450
Houston, TX 77074
Contact: (713) 773 – 4348
Email: info@nahtx.org
Website: http://nahtx.org/
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]]>The post US Envoy Calls for Strong US-Nepal Economic Ties appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>The United States Ambassador to Nepal Alaina B Teplitz said this in her address at a monthly lecture and policy discussion series on US-Nepal bilateral relationship: The Next 70 Years and Beyond, held in Kathmandu on December 19, 2017.
Collaborative partnership towards ensuring transparency and accountability, and successful inclusion of women and marginalized communities are among other key areas of cooperation for both the nations in the future, Alaina added.
Stating that both the nations have already started redesigning their development strategies, she called on the Government of Nepal to ensure an investor-friendly environment to attract more investment.
In this regard, she urged the new Nepali Government, led by the Communist Alliance, to introduce investor-friendly foreign investment bill and agro-business promotion bill to ensure Nepal’s overall economic development.
The former Nepali Ambassador to US Shankar Sharma highlighted US’ potential in tourism, among other areas, while also highlighting Nepal’s strength in export of goods to US.
“Although China and India are set to emerge as the world’s largest economies in coming years, the position of US will be more valuable for Nepal even in the days to come,” read Shankar’s official statement.
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]]>The post New Nepali Government Keen on Foreign Policy appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>While the date of formation of the new government is yet to be announced, the left alliance came up with some announcements on policies to be implemented under the left-led new Nepali Government (yet to be formed)
In a recent announcement, the left alliance informed that the new Nepali Government will maintain Nepal’s diplomatic relations with neighboring nations based on independent foreign policy.
“As per the directions made by the Nepali Constitution, we will develop the relation with friendly nations, especially the neighboring countries, international unions and organizations, on the basis of independent foreign policy,” the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and Maoist Centre (CPN-MC) said in a statement on December 17, 2017.
In response, a resident of Lumbini said, “I expect a policy that will enhance Nepal’s relationship with neighboring countries India and China. Growth of Nepal is not possible without good relation with India due to geopolitical situation. But in the name of enhancing relation, Nepal should not bow to any other countries.”
These statements by the new Nepali government gain significance in view of recent statements by Nepal’s close bilateral partners on the conclusion of Nepal’s legislative elections 2017.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Ambassador to Nepal Masashi Ogawa said that Nepal is a good friend to Japan and expressed Japan’s willingness to support Nepal’s development.
“Japan is a good friend of Nepal and it has been providing support to Nepal’s efforts for economic, social, cultural and educational development,” said Ogawa in his address at a recently-held event in Kathmandu.
India also congratulated Nepal on successful completion of its most-awaited parliamentary and provincial elections.
A statement by Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson read about India’s keenness to support Nepal in its all-round development.
India expressed willingness to work with the newly-elected government with regard to taking ahead its close and multi-faceted ties with Nepal in various sectors.
“The Indo-Nepal ties are not just about government-to-government relations, but about people-to-people ties. India will work with any party that comes to power in Kathmandu. Similarly, the Nepal of PM will work with Delhi irrespective of his ideology. India remains a key factor in Nepal’s politics, society and religion and this fact cannot be ignored,” said a Nepal-focused political expert earlier this month.
Meanwhile, congratulating Nepal on the conclusion of its historic polls, the United States Government hoped that the recent election would set a stage for new responsive governance in Nepal that stands by rule of law, transparency and inclusivity.
“The election of representatives at all levels of government should set the stage for responsive governance based on the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and rule of law,” read a statement by State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert.
In this regard, Nauert expressed the US Government’s willingness towards working with the new Nepali Government.
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]]>The post US, Nepal Celebrate 70 Years Friendship appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>On the occasion, the US Embassy organized a half-day symposium that highlighted the role played by the Government of United States towards the development of Nepal.
The symposium witnessed a participation of over 250 academics, journalists and researchers, and saw discussions on a wide range of issues related to trade enhancement, collaboration in scientific research to address public health and fight human trafficking.
The history of US-Nepal bilateral ties dates back to November 16, 1945, the day George R Merrell, the first US official, visited Nepal.
Merrel, who was then the Chargé d’Affaires at New Delhi, presented the Legion of Merit to then Nepal Prime Minister Padma Shumshere Jung Bahadur Rana recognizing the role played by Nepali Gurkha soldiers in the British Army during the World War II.
Further on April 25, 1947, both the countries signed an Agreement of Commerce and Friendship in Kathmandu.
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]]>The post Nepal General Elections 2017: Call for Peaceful and Efficient Electoral Process appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>“We urge everyone to respect the freedoms of peaceful expression and assembly, and individual voters’ rights as laid out in Nepal’s laws and constitution,” read a statement by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
In its release, the US Diplomatic Mission to Nepal raised concerns and condemned the recent attacks on political candidates contesting in the upcoming elections.
The Embassy informed that US is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure an inclusive, peaceful and credible election process.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba directed the security officials to ensure full security to the public in the light of the upcoming general elections.
“The constitution has been promulgated after a long struggle. Election is must for constitution implementation. People should get peaceful environment to cast their votes. Do not leave any stone unturned in security system to save the people’s voting rights,” said Deuba in his address at a security seminar for the upcoming elections in Kathmandu today.
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Mohan Krishna Sapkota said, “Security challenges in elections have already been identified. Problems will be resolved after moving ahead with the effective security plans.”
On the occasion, security chiefs of all districts briefed about their strategies and also highlighted security conditions, challenges and measures to be implemented to ensure safe electoral process.
Meanwhile, the European Union and the renowned NGO Carter Center have already launched their international Election Observation Missions (EBO) for the Nepal’s upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections.
“Every election has their own challenges and the authorities that are preparing the elections have been facing lots of challenges and Nepal is not exempted from that. Especially considering the fact that the local elections were held recently in September, I don’t see any problem in the government’s efforts,” says Zeljana Zovko, Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission.
The EU mission is making an estimated spending of EUR 3.5 million for the process and has deployed around 38 Long Term Observers (LTOs) across different parts of Nepal to monitor the ongoing preparations and related logistic issues.
Whereas, Carter Center has deployed 14 LTOs and a core team of five experts led by Field Office Director Carlos Valenzuela. Altogether, Carter Center’s team has observers representing 13 countries.
“The Carter Center has a long history in Nepal and we are honored to be present for the first national-level elections since the adoption of the constitution. We trust the elections will be peaceful and will help consolidate Nepal’s democracy,” says Mary Ann Peters, CEO of Carter Center and the Ambassador (ret.).
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]]>The post Rising Trend of Foreign Investment in Nepal appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>Nepal has drawn a wide global attention in the recent times and as a result, the global business community has also been expressing its willingness to invest in Nepal, every now and then.
India for infrastructure development, South Korea for smart city development, US in energy and education sectors, likewise, many other countries have come forward to invest in Nepal in the recent times.
In the recent past, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (AFEC) have also signed a new agreement to boost business and trade ties between the two countries.
Following the trend, now the Japanese business community and Non-Resident Association (NRNA) Korea have also expressed their willingness to invest in Nepal.
“Foreigners would benefit by investing in Nepal, as the country is a gateway to reach out to markets of India, China and other South Asian countries,” says the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Bhawani Rana.
An official statement in this regard was made by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore (JCCIS) President Tochiori Takuhiro.
A 12-member JCCIS team, including eight Japanese companies that expanded their base to Singapore, has come to Nepal on November 06, 2017, to assess investment climate in the country and discuss cooperation in various sectors.
The companies in the delegation belong to various sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, tourism, banking, logistics, oil and gas.
“We are here because we see an opportunity in this country as it has young workforce and other potential to grow. Lately, the government has also started taking serious initiatives to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which is encouraging,” says Tochiori Takuhiro.
Tochiori was speaking at an interaction program organised by FNCCI on November 07, 2017.
On the occasion, Tochiori further informed that the team would meet domestic entrepreneurs of various sectors, over the next three days, to finalize the areas of cooperation.
In a recently-held meeting with the Nepali trade delegation of 14 Nepal-Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NKCCI) members and 9 hoteliers, NRNA Korea has also expressed its willingness to invest in Nepal.
The Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) informed this in an official statement on November 07, 2017.
During the B2B meeting organized by Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), officials of NRNA Korea expressed commitment to work for bilateral trade and tourism promotion,” said HAN.
According to HAN, the delegation participated in an event called G Fair Korea and has also organized a trade promotion program titled- ‘Nepal: Your Destination for Tourism and Trade’.
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]]>The post US-Nepal Ties: Nepal Urged to Utilize US Special Trade Program appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>In a move strengthening US-Nepal trade ties, the Government of United States has urged Nepal to make better utilization of the US trade facilitation program.
The US Ambassador to Nepal Aliana B Teplitz made a statement in this regard at a US-Nepal trade workshop held in Nepal, recently.
Nepal and US officials gathered for a workshop titled ‘Enhancing Nepal-US Trade by Utilizing Trade Preference Program’ jointly organized by Pavilion Group and the US Embassy in Nepal on October 10, 2017.
Addressing the gathering, Aliana said, “Clock is ticking for Nepali exporters and businesses to take advantage of the trade preference program offered by the US. The US-Nepal trade preference program creates an opportunity to expand the trade between the two countries. Nepali exporters and businesses have duty-free access only until 2025 to the US market for certain kinds of Nepali exports.”
She further stated that the special program under the Nepal Trade Preferences Act, which allows preferential treatment for certain exports from Nepal to the US, is a good opportunity for both the countries in strengthening economic ties.
In this regard, the US official said Nepal can increase its exports to US under the duty-free tariff facilitated by the trade preference program.
The program planned under the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) allows new duty-free tariff benefits for certain Nepali exports to the US, which includes carpets, headgear, bags, scarves, shawls, travel goods and leather.
Through this program, the US government intends to support the Nepali economy for its recovery from the 2015 earthquake. It has been effective from December 30, 2016 and is active until 2025.
Out of the total exports worth USD 89 million Nepal sent to the US in 2016, USD 6.75 million was exported under the duty-free tariff.
“The market potential for the products is obviously much greater. We hope that the USD 6.75 million can be doubled, if not tripled or quadrupled in the near future,” Aliana added.
In response, the Nepali Minister for Industry Sunil Bahadur Thapa said, “All these products can be manufactured and exported to the US and we can fully utilize the facility provided to us by the US if we come out of the comfort zone.”
Arjun Kumar Karki, Nepali Ambassador to the US said, “The private sector should make investment in the production of these items so that they can be exported to the US. If we would be able to do better, we can request the US Government for additional privilege.”
On the occasion, Nepali exporters were also urged to try special ways to diversify and enhance their business as per the changing trends in foreign markets for full benefits.
“If more Nepali products are exported to the US, there would be high demand for these products, ‘Made in Nepal’ could be very powerful branding tool that you should take advantage of,” says Aliana.
Other experts, who had attended the workshop, opined that encouragement of production from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), R&D and boosting connectivity in the domestic market can help Nepal in generating long-term business across foreign markets.
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]]>The post US 2019 Diversity Visa Programme Applications for Nepalese Begin appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>The Government of United States has announced the opening of applications for the United States’ 2019 electronic Diversity Visa (DV) program for the Nepali immigrants.
The intending applicants can apply for the programthrough digital forms at www.dvlottery.state.gov starting from 9:45 pm of October 3, 2017 till 10:45 pm of November 7, 2017, the US Embassy in Kathmandu said in a statement.
The Embassy further informed that the program recommends the applicants against using a consultant to assist with their applications.
According to the US Department of State, the program allows up to 50,000 immigrant visas annually and these are drawn from a random selection process among all entries to individuals belonging to the nations enjoying low rates of immigration to US.
The final winners immigrate through consular processing and get the immigrant visa.
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]]>The post US, Nepal Sign Most-awaited USD 500 Million Deal appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>The United States and Nepal have finally signed the most-awaited deal that is expected to help Nepal in its overall development
The US State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert made an official announcement in this regard, yesterday.
The US agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Acting CEO Jonathan Nash and the Nepali Minister of Finance Gyanendra Bahadur Karki signed the new USD 500 million compact agreement at Washington DC, informed an official release by the US State Department.
“Today, as we sign this USD 500 million MCC compact with Nepal, we are celebrating a new chapter in the US-Nepal partnership,” said Nash.
“As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of US-Nepal relations, I am grateful we can point to this MCC compact as a clear demonstration of our strong partnership,” said the Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan in his address.
Meanwhile, the Nepali minister affirmed that this deal will surely create a lasting impact on Nepal’s sustainable development for generations to come.
According to the release, this is the first compact for the Trump administration and also in South Asia, and includes the largest upfront contribution by any partner country (in MCC’s history).
“A stable and economically-growing Nepal is in the best interest of not just the people of Nepal, but also the region and the United States,” said the Department in its release.
Apart from MCC funding, the Nepali Government will also be adding an additional USD 130 million to this five-year grant.
This deal with MCC is the biggest-ever grant Nepal is receiving from its single development partner country. The agreement aims at achieving infrastructure development in Nepal.
Besides boosting private investment and economic growth to reduce poverty, this deal is expected to enhance regional energy connectivity in South Asia by strengthening Nepali power sector and facilitating related trade with India.
Development of high-voltage power transmission lines across 300 km and road maintenance covering 300 km distance are among the key projects to be taken up under the agreement.
A joint analysis by Nepal and MCC says that the deal will benefit around 23 million population.
According to Baikuntha Aryal, Head of the International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division, the allotted grant will go back to the US if the projects under the agreement are not implemented within 5 years from the starting date.
MCC is an US agency committed to fight global poverty (in select poor countries) and ensure good governance for the overall economic growth.
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]]>The post US Picks Nepal for Its High-Profile Project in Indo-Pacific appeared first on Nepali Sansar.
]]>Nepal has been selected for one of the most high-profile development projects of the United States in Indo-Pacific, informed a top US diplomat.
This socio-economic project aims at boosting regional stability, connectivity and economic growth in Indo-Pacific.
Alice Wells, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, made an official statement in this regard at a congressional meeting held in Washington, recently.
“Nepal has been selected for one of the US most high-profile projects to increase regional connectivity within the Indo-Pacific. If these efforts succeed, Nepal will serve as a model for other fragile post-conflict democracies,” reads a statement by Wells.
Wells also told the Congress that US will help Nepal in building a stronger democracy that could address persistent conflicts and promote economic growth and regional stability.
“In addition to supporting a stable, democratic government that respects the rule of law, the United States promotes investor-friendly energy development and regional connectivity,” she added.
These statements are coming ahead of the Wells’ scheduled meet with the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific on Maintaining US Influence in South Asia: The 2018 Budget.
The US agency Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has also committed for its first South Asia compact agreement with Nepal.
Under the pact to be signed later in this month, MCC will be providing a grant of USD 500 million to Nepal, making it the biggest-ever grant for Nepal from any of its single partner countries. This project will focus on infrastructure development in transport and energy sectors of Nepal.
Apart from that, the US foreign assistance request of USD 38.8 million also aims at improving Nepali democracy and accountability and transparency within Nepali Government.
As a whole, for 2018, the US assistance measures aim at strengthening education and health services, along with efforts to support long-term sustainable economic growth.
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