Kathmandu, June 11

The Embassy of Nepal to Switzerland/ Permanent Mission of Nepal in Geneva in association with the NRNA, Switzerland organised a promotional programme on the theme of ‘Mountains: Connecting Peoples and Cultures’ in Bern yesterday.

The programme is a continuation of building bridges between Nepali and Swiss people for strengthening bilateral relations through promotion of trade, tourism and investment, said a press release issued by the Embassy of Nepal to Switzerland.

The event shed light on the country’s tourism prospects and also called for stronger collaboration between governments and private sectors for economic prosperity of the countries.

The event also shed light on how tourism, green growth, investment in industries and infrastructure and power could follow innovation and creativity applied by Switzerland.

Deepak Dhital, Ambassador of Nepal to Switzerland, in his opening remarks highlighted the positive development landscape created in Nepal due to  political stability and called on development partners to support development of the country.

He further said the government was putting its best efforts to attain the overarching goal of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis’.

Highlighting the prospects of hydropower and tourism development in Nepal, he conveyed that the government had decided to observe ‘Visit Nepal 2020’ with a view to doubling the number of tourists visiting Nepal to two million.

Underscoring the geographical and cultural similarities between Nepal and Switzerland, the ambassador said the Swiss experience could provide good inspiration for setting the development vision for Nepal.

Thomas Gass, Head of South Cooperation Department of Swiss Development Cooperation, graced the programme as the Guest of Honour.

He emphasised the need for stronger partnership between Nepal and Switzerland on issues of common interests.