18TH SAARC SUMMIT: Nepal must seize opportunity

KATHMANDU: Nepal has proposed to host 18th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in November. If the country does so, it will be hosting the meeting of the regional bloc after 12 years. For Nepal, which has been mired in protracted transition, political instability, power crisis, frail economy and lack of employment with many youth looking towards Gulf nations or Malaysia for jobs, the Summit could provide a platform to draw the region’s as well as international community’s attention towards it. If the Summit is held as proposed, Head of States/Governments of South Asian countries would descend on Kathmandu and besides that top officials from world powers, including the United States, China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Australia — which are known for their robust and thriving economy — could also participate. 

Some of these countries will take part in their Observers status while others are pursuing to get that status. “This (hosting the SAARC Summit) could be an opportunity for us,” said a former ambassador. “We can set the themes and agendas; we can aim to attract more FDIs in water resources, environment protection and trade and investment and also can project Nepal in the world stage.” A decade-long war and the subsequent peace process that Nepal struggled to conclude and political transition since then with political parties failing to draft a constitution and squabbling over issues to settle political and economic affairs has not helped the country at all to have any platform from where it can project itself as a major investment destination despite its potential. The regional bloc’s 18th Summit in Kathmandu could really turn into more than a routine Summit only if Nepal could prove its leadership and diplomatic acumen. In the 18th SAARC Summit Nepal can have the chance of turning the challenges into opportunities. 

- LEKHANATH PANDEY from thehimalayantimes.com