Boost trade and tourism :

This refers to Rajendra B Shrestha’s article “Economic Diplomacy” (THT, August 9). The article provided an interesting and in-depth overview of economic diplomacy, an absolute need for a poor country like Nepal.

I regard the Rs. 600 million spent on running embassies and foreign missions as non-performing assets in banking terms. Our embassies and consulates are unproductive and not promoting the country’s image as a centre for trade and tourism. Nepal could do well to adopt the economic diplomacy model of Thailand. Thai ambassadors serve as CEOs of different business organisations and their job includes promotion of trade and tourism. We could also assign enterprising youths trained in trade and tourism to each embassy. The training should be administered by FNCCI, NTB and other sectors. In the visa section, we could exhibit Nepali export items and tourism promotion materials. The section could also hand out booklets that include the country’s profile, useful imports, and areas open for FDI and multinational business prospects. Instead of wasting huge funds on non-essential issues, emphasis should be placed on promoting trade and tourism in key cities of Europe, the USA, Japan and Australia.

Dr Hari Pandey, via e-mail

No terrorists :

Apropos the report “No aid for govt with terrorists: US” (THT, August 15), the US government’s insistence on labelling the Maoists “terrorists” is unjustified. I find it very strange that the Americans continue to harp on the separation of arms from the Maoists. Why doesn’t the US government understand that the majority of Nepalis are in favour of giving the Maoists some political space and that the conflict cannot be brought under control unless the Maoists are included in the government? Let the Nepalis decide if the Maoists should be invited into the government with arms.

Suman Dahal, Ghattekulo

Lame duck :

Any delay in the promulgation of an interim statute will be blamed solely on the government representatives. These people should understand that they are the members of “temporary” government that is in place only until an interim government is formed. It is evident that those in the government are trying to prolong their tenure. They should keep in mind that the Nepali people are closely following every move of theirs.

Eainnar, via e-mail

Win-win :

The government should facilitate the export of trained pilots and other highly-skilled people. This would result not only in high pay for these people but also give the newcomers in the country the much-needed opportunity. In other words, it will be a win-win situation for all.

L K Amatya, via e-mail

Key issue :

In today’s context, the most important issue for Nepal is the establishment of peace to ensure the country’s long-term prosperity. Hence, all should work towards this goal rather than squabble over petty issues like the King’s place in the constitution. The establishment of peace should take precedence over all other issues.

Nischal Poudyal,

CIT College