Programme on Economic Diplomacy in Koshi Province for the Promotion of Export Trade, Investment and Tourism

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, in coordination with the Koshi Province Government, organised the "Programme on Economic Diplomacy in Koshi Province for the Promotion of Export Trade, Investment and Tourism" in Biratnagar, Morang today.

Delivering the keynote remarks, Hon. Mr Hikmat Kumar Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, stressed the need for strong cooperation among Federal, Provincial and Local Governments to effectively implement economic diplomacy policies and programmes. While appreciating the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organising this programme of vital importance, he emphasised the necessity for promoting good governance and high, sustainable and inclusive economic growth for economic advancement and prosperity. He further stated that the province will take necessary steps so as to further promote export trade, investment and tourism.

Hon. Mr Bhim Parajuli, Minister for Tourism, Forests and Environment emphasised tourism as a key driver of Koshi Province's economy. He emphasised the need to promote the province's natural landscapes, cultural and religious heritage, and biodiversity, while also highlighting the importance of sustainable forest management and environmental conservation to secure long-term prosperity.

Hon. Mr Bidur Kumar Lingthep, Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning of the Province, underscored the need for taking concerted efforts focusing on key economic areas including the promotion of export trade, investment and tourism, along with prioritising high-value products such as tea, cardamom, coffee, rudraksha beads, fresh vegetables, and organic produce for the economic growth and development.

Hon. Mr Tara Nath Niraula, Vice Chairman of Koshi Province Planning Commission, stated that the integration and internalisation of economic diplomacy into provincial development strategies contributes to achieving the aims and goals as outlined in the Provincial Development Plan.

Mr Rajendra Kumar Poudel, Principal Secretary of Koshi Province, emphasised that sustained dialogue and interactive programmes between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Provinces are essential for ensuring policy coherence and practical outcomes. He further emphasised product and community-based tourism along with export trade and investment promotion.

Dr Mohan Kumar Subedi, Economic Adviser to the Chief Minister of Koshi Province, presented an overview of the economic policies and programmes of Koshi Province.

Mr Mani Ratna Sharma, Joint Secretary and Head of the Economic Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the participants. Highlighting the significance of economic diplomacy in achieving national goals and objectives for economic development and prosperity, he shared the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepali Missions abroad in promoting export trade, investment, and tourism.

The programme featured presentations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Economic Affairs and Planning; and Ministry of Tourism, Forests and Environment of Koshi Province; Nepal Tourism Board (NTB); Office of Province Investment Authority; Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI); and Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Nepal (FEEN).

Secretaries of various Ministries of the Provincial Government, private sector representatives, experts, academics, and stakeholders from various agencies were present at the programme.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Singhadurbar, Kathmandu
5 May 2026