KATHMANDU, July 23
Chandra Prasad Dhakal, outgoing Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps–Nepal (HCC-N), has emphasised the critical role honorary consuls play in advancing Nepal’s economic diplomacy.
Speaking at the 18th General Assembly and Charter Day of HCC-N in Kathmandu, Dhakal stated that honorary consuls are not merely ceremonial figures but active contributors to the nation’s diplomatic and economic agenda. “Economic diplomacy is no longer an option—it is a necessity in today’s globalised world,” said Dhakal, who also chairs the IME Group and leads the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI).
He urged honorary consuls to act as “voluntary envoys” as Nepal prepares to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category and outlined the Corps’ support for national priorities. He also announced the groundwork for Nepal’s first-ever Economic Summit in collaboration with the FNCCI and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, the event’s chief guest, praised honorary consuls as crucial bridges to promote trade, tourism, and investment. Former UN Under Secretary General Gyan Chandra Acharya called for greater integration of diplomacy with development.
Dhakal officially handed over the Deanship to Bhola Bikram Thapa, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria.
