It is my great honour and privilege to extend warm felicitations and hearty congratulations to every member of Nepali community currently residing in the State of Qatar as well as to all Nepali people, both leaving at home and abroad, on the happy occasion of Nepal’s National Day and Eighth Constitution Day.
Nepal has been celebrating 20 September as the National Day and Constitution Day since 2016 to mark the historic promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal on 20 September 2015 by directly elected Constituent Assembly. This constitution has adopted a federal republic system that includes three tiers of government and has embraced the values of multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, and multi-cultural society. Essential features of democracy, inclusion and social justice have been enshrined in it.While this constitution has settled various political aspirations of Nepalis ranging from democracy, inclusion and equal participation in the governance of the country, it has paved the way for achieving peace, progress and prosperity for the country.
As envisioned in the constitution, the first ever elections of the federation, province and the local levels of government were held in 2017.Upon the completion of five years of terms of office, election of the local levels was held on 13 May this year. Similarly, election of the federal level and the provincial level are scheduled to be held on 20 November later this year. Over these times, Nepal has made tremendous achievements in terms of participation of women, youth, and different disadvantaged groups in politics and other spheres of national life.
Nepal is now aiming forward to achieving economic growth and development, a long-cherished aspiration of all the Nepalis. Nepal is scheduled to graduate from the status of Least Developed Country category in 2026 and aspires to become a middle- income country by 2030.Similarly, the country has internalized all sustainable development goals in its national plans and programs while committing to reach net zero carbon emissionby 2045.
These aspirations for a fast forward and inclusive economic growth were impeded by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we have almost overcome the challenge now often in collaboration with our neighbours and friendly countries. More than 94 percent of the target population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with 97 percent receiving at least one dose. The government’s topmost priority now is to set up a resilient recovery from the pandemic. While the socio-economic indicators are returning to normalcy, there is a lot to do to modernize infrastructure network and take concerted efforts to boost economic growth.
Nepal is endowed with rich natural and human resources. Nepal boasts of different flora and fauna as well as varieties of landscapes ranging from fertile plains in the south to the highest mountain of the world in the north. The topography ranging from 60 meters to 8,848 meters harbours abundant natural resources. Furthermore, we are a youthful nation, with the median age of 25.3 years.
This is where the sustainable investment on infrastructure and economic growth becomes critical. Nepal is looking for investment on infrastructure that generates employment to its people, fosters economic growth, and contributes to promoting resilient, inclusive and sustainable economy.
Infrastructure development, agriculture, tourism and human resource development are key areas for investments, both domestic and foreign. While the Government is promoting domestic investment, there is a huge gap of investment for desired growth. Hence, Nepal looks forward to receiving investment from abroad including from the State of Qatar. Nepal’s rich natural and human resources, its location between two giant economies, India and China, a growing domestic consumption market of nearly 30 million people as well as structural and procedural reforms make the country a perfect destination for foreign investments. Investments in tourism, infrastructure,
health and education could be mutually beneficial to both our
countries.
Nepal and Qatar have continued to maintain friendly and cordial relations over the past 45 years.
A large section of Nepali community residing in Qatar over the years has been a strong linkage between our two countries. We are thankful to the Government of the State of Qatar and relevant agencies for taking care of Nepali migrants during the outbreak of the pandemic by providing necessary treatment measures as well as vaccination. We also appreciate the latest series of labour reforms introduced and implemented by the Government of the State of Qatar and look forward to collaborate on further measures in this area.
Nepal’s natural beauty and hospitable nature of its society could be a linkage for further promoting two-way people-to-people relations between our two countries. I believe recent visits to Nepal by popular Qatari adventurers including Sheikha Asma Al Thani and Fahad Bader and their success in scaling world’s top mountains located in Nepal will inspire more Qataris and members of other nationalities to visit Nepal during their holidays. Nepal’s mountainous landscape, snowy mountains, lush green plains, panoramic valleys and gurgling rivers offer various adventurous activities. Mountain climbing, trekking, paragliding, rafting, mountain flights, sky-diving, bungee jumping, canyoning, jungle safari, bird watching comprise some of them. Nepal is only a single flight away from Qatar.
Finally, we commend the tremendous progress and prosperity Qatar has been achieving in recent times. Qatar’s role in supporting regional and global issues of humanitarian concern and conflict management has gained appreciation from the wider community of nations. Since my assumption of duties as Ambassador of Nepal to Qatar for over two months, I am highly impressed by the preparations for hosting the first ever world cup in the Arab World after two months. As Qatar is all geared up to host the 2022 World Cup, I would like to convey my best wishes to Qatar and its leadership under His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for a memorable and a lifetime event. I wish to convey the support and commitment from Nepal and Nepali community in Qatar for making this event a grand success.
I would like to conclude wishing all the Nepalis at home and abroad again for a peaceful, prosperous and progressive year ahead.