His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah are scheduled to arrive Doha on June 13 to participate in the second Summit of G-77 nations at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

On this special event, nepalqatar.com has dedicated a special news coverage on Their Majesty's visit. Qatar hosting a population of nearly 100,000 Nepalese, is eagerly waiting to Welcome Their Majesties.  

Their Majesties towards Abu Dhabi (18 June)

Their Majesties King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah left for Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates today after completing an official visit to Qatar. Their Majesties were accorded hearty farewell at Doha International Airport by high officials of the government of Qatar. HE Shyamananda Suman, Royal Nepalese Ambassador to Qatar and other embassy officials were present at Doha International Airport to bid farewell to Their Majesties. Their Majesties had arrived Doha on June 13 in connection with participating in the second summit conference of G-77. 

His Majesty addresses 2nd South Summit (15 June)

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, addressing the Second South Summit in Doha, Qatar, said that the post-cold war world demands wider and deeper unity among developing countries.

The Second South Summit opened in Doha, the state of Qatar, Wednesday with heads of state and government and senior officials of 132 countries participating in the conference.

In the address, His Majesty the King said that South-South cooperation must today focus on new dimensions fostering, of private sector cooperation and cooperation between communities living on the borders of two or more nations, as people-to-people interaction ensures a powerful basis for regional peace and security.

His Majesty said that Nepal was fortunate to be at the thresholds of two of the fastest growing economies in the world, India and China,  which have seen tremendous economic progress in the last decades, lifting a sizeable mass of their population from economic depravation.

Saying that both India and China have opened up their economies and trade far and wide, yet trade between them is minuscule compared to their global trade.

"In this context, taking advantage of the opportunities of this historic economic dynamism of the Asian continent, we envision a land-locked Nepal as a transit economy between India and China, and are willing to extend all possible assistance to facilitate and further this process," His Majesty told the conference. His Majesty said that this would contribute to realising the largest potential synergy in Asia benefiting not only the trading and transit nations but also, hopefully, transform the region into an engine of growth.

His Majesty added that South-South cooperation carries the burden of constructive pressure in the unipolar conditions of the world and such pressure is conceivable only under unity and cooperation among us.

Talking about freedom, democracy and human rights, His Majesty said that these have been sublimated by painful experience into international concerns. His Majesty pointed out that we must wisely determine and discriminate those elements in a political system and that needs to be done at the three levels of values, institutions, deliberate and selective use of democracy and human rights for political purposes. "Sadly, this is a fault in which both the countries of the South and the developed North are not free from."

Explaining the situation of Nepal to the world community, His Majesty said that Nepal was a sad witness and a microcosm of how inequality, social and economic exclusion, poor governance, rampant corruption and non-delivery by various governments in the last decade-and-a-half have been exploited by terrorists to fulfil their own agenda,  an agenda already discarded and rejected by the world at large.

Enunciating that we, in Nepal, have been enduring the scourge of terrorism for over a decade now and understand the chaos it creates, His Majesty the King urged the international community to resolutely come forward with an effective framework in curbing the financing of terrorism.

His Majesty also asked the international community, especially countries of the South, to consider establishing a Special Fund to help the internally-displaced persons and reconstructing the community infrastructure damaged by terrorists.

"Countries hit by terrorism need to be considered as countries with "special needs", His Majesty said.  

(full text of speech)

HM grants audience (15 June)

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev received in audience Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, at the venue of the G-77 summit in Doha today.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey was present on the occasion.

Similarly, His Majesty the King granted audience to Prime Minister of Bangladesh Begum Khaleda Zia at the Sheraton Doha Hotel here today.

Matters of various aspects of the relations between the two countries and mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. Likewise, His Majesty the King granted audience to sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Boliya.

Also today, His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev granted audience to Director General of the World Trade Organisation Dr Supachai.

Similarly, His Majesty the King granted audience to Prime Minister of Malaysia and chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Abdullah Ahmed Badawi at the site of the summit conference in Doha Sheraton Hotel today.

Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey was present during the meetings.

His Majesty Felicitated (14 June)

On behalf of all Nepalese living in Qatar , Dr. Dev Kaji Dangol presented a felicitation letter to His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.

The felicitation letter stated "The countrymen have started sensing the rays of hope for peace in the country following the historic February 1 move of His Majesty."  Further, "His Majesty was source of hope to the countrymen suffering from violence. We wish for peace and progress in our homeland and would like to cheer Their Majesties, Monarchy and the Crown eternally." read the letter. "We hope Your Majesty's benevolent leadership will rid the nation of the crisis and steer it on the path of development. We believe that the country and the countrymen can hold their head high under the able leadership of Your Majesty." stated the felicitation letter.

The felicitation letter was read out and presented to His Majesty by Dr. Dangol during the opening ceremony of "Promote Nepal - 2005".  The felicitation was a joint initiative of different Nepalese social organizations working in Qatar, including Nepal Welfare Association, HM Birendra Peace Foundation - Qatar Chapter, Nepal Cultural Centre, Non-Residential Nepalese Association - Qatar Chapter, Khotang Youth Service Society, Mechi-Kali Literary Forum, Saptari Sewa Samaj, Sankhuwasabha Sewa Samaj, Gorkha Non-Residential Welfare Society, Khotang Awareness Society, Kirat Rai Yakha, Tamu Buddha Service Society, Chitwan Youth Society, Nepal Engineer's Association, Siraha Assistance Society, Sarlahi Welfare Society, Non-Residential Magar Service Society and Non-Residential Tamang Society.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey informed that His Majesty the King had extended thanks to the Nepalese in Qatar .

Download PDF file of full text in Nepali Language

Promote Nepal - 2005 inaugurated (14 June)

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev inaugurated "Promote Nepal-2005" fair amidst a special function at the City Centre. Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah was also present on the occasion.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ramesh Nath Pandey and Royal Nepalese Ambassador to Qatar Shyamananda Suman were also present on the occasion.

The trade fair with major participation of business houses from Nepal , has exportable Nepalese goods on display including handicrafts, carpets, readymade garments, handicrafts, bamboo and wood products, bricks and food items.

The first trade fair of its kind, Promote Nepal-2005 is being organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Salt Trading Corporation Ltd. (STCL) and Nepal Pavilion Company at the patronage of Royal Nepalese Embassy in Qatar . It will last till June 18.

Following the inauguration, Their Majesties inspected the stalls in the fair with keen interest. The exhibitors include International Food Suppliers, Nepal Foreign Employment Agencies Association, Himalayan Bank Nepal, K. R. Suppliers, Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Salt Trading Corporation Ltd., Creative Women's Crafts, Himalayan Bamboo Pvt. Ltd., Rastriya Banijya Bank, Nepal Tourism Board and Carpet and Wool Development Board. Others were International Money Express, Nabil Bank, Himalayan Snax & Noodles, Himalayan Tea Exporters and Kariman Enterprises. Local Qatari companies included Al-Fajer International Trading & Contracting Co, Himalayan Trade International & Contracting Co. and Qatar Tours.

Upon arrival, Their Majesties were welcomed by the panchakanyas. On the occasion, chairperson of STCL Kamal Mani Dixit presented Their Majesties with a memento of the fair.

Narendra Shrestha , executive director of Nepal Pavilion Company, offered gifts to His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. On the occasion, Their Majesties also granted audience to the chiefs of the diplomatic missions in Qatar .

A large number of Nepalese living in Qatar was present on the occasion. 

His Majesty arrives in Doha (13 June)

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah arrived in Doha today at 1:20 PM local time.

Their Majesties were welcomed at Doha International Airport by Qatari Minister, on behalf of HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and other high level officials from the Qatari side. Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey, Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya, Royal Nepalese Ambassador HE Shyamananda Suman and other embassy officials were present to welcome Their Majesties.

Their Majesties were seen off by the Chairman of the Council of Royal Representatives- constituted by HM the King to discharge state duties during the absence of Their Majesties- His Highness Crown Prince Paras and Crown Princess Himani at the VVIP room of the Tribhuvan International Airport.

The chief justice, speaker of the House of Representatives, vice-chairmen of the Council of Ministers, chairman of the Raj Parishad Standing Committee, ministers, chiefs of different constitutional bodies, highly-placed government officials, and foreign diplomats were present on the occasion.

His Majesty issuing a message to the nation on Sunday, expressed confidence that the summit of the G-77 and China will provide a collective voice, along with a common platform for developing nations and prove a milestone in fostering even closer mutually beneficial economic ties amongst themselves, as well as with the developed nations.

The full text of His Majesty's message is as follows:

Beloved countrymen,

We are leaving for Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar today to participate in the Second South Summit of the Group of 77 and China at the friendly invitation of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

With 132 countries from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean as members, the Group of 77 and China is the largest coalition of developing countries in the world. Nepal , as a founding member, attaches great importance to this organisation and believes that it can contribute significantly towards the sustainable socio-economic advancement of the nation, as well as that of other developing countries. We are confident that this historic Summit will provide a collective voice, along with a common platform, for developing nations and prove a milestone in fostering even closer mutually beneficial economic ties amongst themselves, as well as with the developed nations.

The Summit will also afford us an opportunity to exchange views with His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, other the heads of state or government and leaders from participating nations, which, we are confident, will further consolidate the existing ties of friendship and mutual understanding between Nepal and these countries.

While returning home, we will also be visiting the United Arab Emirates where we will have an opportunity to exchange views with His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan, President of the United Arab Emirates and other leader. This, we believe, will contribute to further strengthening the cordial relations so happily subsisting between our countries.

We have constituted a Council of Royal Representatives under the Chairmanship of our son His Royal Highness Crown Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev to discharge duties on our behalf during our absence. We are confident that all our countrymen will, as always, continue to carry out their responsibilities conscientiously and contribute to the maintenance of peace in country. May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all. Jaya Nepal !

Foreign Minister Pandey arrives in Doha (12 June)

Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey arrived in Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar, today morning to participate in the Second South Summit of the Group of Seventy-seven (G-77).

The Nepalese delegation to the summit will be led by His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.

Their Majesties King Gyanendra and Queen Komal are scheduled to arrive for Doha on Monday. This will be the third important international forum to be attended and addressed by the King after the February 1 Royal Move.

Official from the Foreign Ministry Durga Bhattari accompanied FM Pandey. Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya arrived in Doha yesterday to take part in the Summit.

Issuing a press statement before leaving for Doha, foreign minister Pandey said that His Majesty’s participation in the Summit will reinforce Nepal’s sustained faith in and commitment to the cause of the developing countries as a group.

“His Majesty’s participation in the Summit will have both national and international significance,” Pandey’s statement reads, “The Summit provides an opportunity for His Majesty to articulate once again the foreign policy of Nepal as a responsible, sensible and active member of the comity of nations for the common cause of development.”

The summit also provides an important occasion for the world leaders to listen to His Majesty’s vision for peace and prosperity of developing countries and the world at large, from the perspective of a small, least developed, terror-stricken, yet confident nation committed to contribute to the cause of peace, democracy and prosperity around the world, minister Pandey said in his statement.

The G-77 was created by 77 countries over four decades ago to pursue common economic and financial interests of the developing countries at the United Nations. Nepal is a founder member of the group which now has 132 member countries.

This year’s Summit will take stock of the progress in the implementation of the Declaration and the Programme of Action adopted by the first South Summit in Havana in 2000, produce common positions of the Group on economic, financial, development and other issues facing the developing countries- particularly in view of the forthcoming UN meeting later this year- and will make public a Political Declaration and a Programme of Action.

Stage set for Doha summit Royal address keenly awaited (RSS)

DOHA (Qatar), June 11. Preparation for the Second South summit of the group of developing countries G-77 that is being held here from June 14 to 16 has reached the final stage.

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is taking part in the summit. A head of state level participation from Nepal shows the importance that it has accorded to the summit.

His Majesty the King is scheduled to address the summit on June 15 and it is eagerly anticipated here as well.

This will be His Majesty's third address to an international summit in the past two months. Prior to this, His Majesty the King had addressed the 'Asian-African Summit-2005' held in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 22 and the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia on April 24.

His Majesty is scheduled to arrive Doha on June 13. His Majesty will be accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen.

Nepal's high level participation in the summit is being looked upon with high importance, says Royal Nepalese Ambassador Shyamnanda Suman.

Ambassador Suman also expressed confidence that 'Promote Nepal-2005', an exhibition of Nepal scheduled to be inaugurated by His Majesty the King would be an important achievement for Nepal.

His Majesty's visit to Qatar will further consolidate relations between the two countries, adds the ambassador.

The second south summit is expected to discuss the challenges of development and trade facing the member countries.

In course of the preparations, the meeting of senior officials of the G-77 member countries is being held here tomorrow. Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman Acharya is taking part in the meeting.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey is taking part in the ministerial meeting to be held on June 13.

Participants of the summit have already begun arriving.

Meanwhile, all necessary preparations for the summit is going on in full swing at the summit venue-the Sheraton Doha Hotel.

Established in 1964, the Group of 77 or G-77 provides the means for the Developing World to articulate and promote its collective economic interests and enhance its joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues in the United Nations System, and promote economic and technical cooperation among developing countries.

The membership of the G-77 has increased to 132 countries.

HM's participation in Doha summit to buttress image Visit gives proper follow-up to Jakarta, Boao: Pandey
(Rising Nepal)

KATHMANDU, June 10: Foreign Ministry Ramesh Nath Pandey said Friday that the participation of His Majesty the King at the South-South Summit of the developing and least developed nations between June 14-16 would be instrumental to expand Nepal's ties with participating nations and promote economic diplomacy.

'The summit would further buttress the positive image that Nepal gained in the international arena after the Afro-Asian summit in Jakarta held in April this year,' he said.

Minister Pandey said that the second summit of the developing countries assumes special significance in that the address to be given to the Summit by His Majesty the King would clear any misunderstanding regarding Nepal's internal situation thereby consolidate its relations with the comity of nations.

Talking to The Rising Nepal, Pandey said, 'The high level visit apart from promoting Nepal's international relations would help apprise the international community that Nepal is working steadily to restore peace and put the nation back on track.'

Nepal has always been playing a significant role in international conferences related to the developing and the least developed countries (LDCs) and that His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is leading the Nepalese delegation justifies the importance Nepal has given to the Doha conference, Pandey said.

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah will head for Doha on June 13 to participate in the second Summit of G-77 nations at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.

His Majesty the King will address the Summit on June 15. His Majesty's address to the Summit will be of historic significance he said. His Majesty will be granting audience to prominent world leaders at the sidelines of the Summit, Pandey said.

'We have been receiving requests from world leaders, who have been showing keen interest to meet His Majesty the King.'

The Summit was significant for both the countries, which were involved in the non-aligned movement as well as the G-77. The Summit will primarily focus on the economic prosperity of the South-South countries, he said.

He said that since Nepal had joined the World Trade Organisation, it needs to join hands with the countries of the South to promote its economic relations.

It is a matter of pride for us that Nepal will put forth its views at the highest level, he said.

His Majesty the King is scheduled to inaugurate the Promote Nepal -2005 exposition jointly organised by the Nepalese business community and His Majesty's Government of Nepal on June 14.

Their Majesties the King and the Queen will leave Doha for Abu Dhabi on June 18, for a friendly bilateral visit to the United Arab Emirates. His Majesty will be received by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. Their Majesties the King and Queen are scheduled to return home on June 22.

Minister Pandey further said Nepal's relations with the Gulf States had been promoted substantially in the past few months and His Majesty's visit to Qatar and UAE would help to further bolster its ties with the countries there.

Top leaders of Group of 77 (G-77) will participate in the Summit to review the development challenges facing their nations and try to craft a unified position on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's proposals for strengthening the United Nations.

The leaders from 132 member states, including several heads of state and government from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, who will reach Doha to participate in the Summit beginning June 12 will discuss the issues relating to South-South cooperation in the context of recent political, social and economic developments facing the world .

'We will present our views and experiences that we gathered through our interactions with foreign dignitaries on the issue of UN reform at the Summit.'

The Group of 77 was established in 1964 by 77 developing countries who had signed a Joint Declaration issued at the end of the first session of UNCTAD in Geneva. Since then, it has become the largest grouping of developing nations.

Their Majesties' visit eagerly awaited in Doha (RSS)
DOHA (Qatar), June 10: Their Majesties King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Queen Komal Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah's official visit to Qatar beginning from June 13 is being very eagerly awaited by the Nepalese nationals in Qatar.

Members of the Nepalese community in Qatar said the opportunity to get to see Their Majesties the King and Queen is a matter of pride for them. Their Majesties are scheduled to arrive here on June 13 in connection with participating in the second summit of the G-77 developing countries.

President of the His Majesty King Birendra Peace Foundation, Qatar branch, Shikhar Baidya said Their Majesties' first official visit to Qatar is very important and expressed the hope that Nepal could derive benefits in terms of more employment opportunities and promotion of investment from this visit.

Stating the Qatari media have given priority and importance to Their Majesties' visit, Baidya, who is also the editor of nepalqatar.com, said the Nepalese living in Doha, moreover in the entire Gulf region, have seen the visit with special importance.

The 'PROMOTE NEPAL-2005' Trade Fair that is taking place on the occasion of the Royal couple's visit is expected to play a significant role in systematically publicising Nepalese goods and products.

He expressed the view that the trade fair would also help promote tourism in Nepal.

Mrs Sunita Pandey, who has been living in Qatar for the last four year, said it is a matter of pride for the Nepalese living in Qatar to see Their Majesties the King and Queen in their midst.

'Foremost we are Nepalese where ever we might be staying. It is a matter of honour for us to have the opportunity to live under the guardianship and protection of His Majesty', she said.

Non-resident Nepalese Society-International Coordination Committee Qatar representative, Sagar Nepal said that Their Majesties' visit to Qatar would be an unforgettable moment for some 100,000 Nepalese living in Qatar.

Talking to the Nepalese media persons in Doha, he said besides consolidating the relations between Nepal and Qatar, the visit would help create a situation of investment in Nepal.

Nepal, who is also the general-secretary of the Qatar-based Nepal Support Society, expressed the confidence that the 'Promote Nepal-2005' Trade Fair would expose Nepal in the international community apart from promoting Nepalese goods and products.

President of the Non-Resident Nepalese Society, Doha chapter, Badri Prasad Pandey also called the Royal couple's visit to Qatar as 'historic' and said the Nepalese in Qatar as well as some 600,000 Nepalese living in the gulf countries were delighted with the visit.

The people of Qatar respect the Nepalese as honest and hard working people, he said.

He also expressed the hope that their majesties' visit would also open the way for foreign investment in Nepal.

President of Nepal Engineers Association Qatar chapter Narayan Chaudhari and vice-chairman Rabikanta Lal noted that the Royal couple's visit to Qatar would add a new dimension in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

HM to address G-77 meeting in Doha (9 June) - His Majesty Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who will be leading the Nepalese delegation to Group Of 77 and China Second South Summit to be held in Doha from 12 - 16 June, is scheduled to address the meeing, Syamananda Suman, Royal Nepalese Ambassador to Qatar said.

His Majesty is scheduled to arrive Doha on June 13. Her Majesty Queen Komal will accompany His Majesty.

Taking to NepalQatar.com, Ambassador Suman said Nepalese delegation of about 40 participants will be taking part in the Summit. Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey is scheduled to arrive Doha on June 12 to take part in the Ministerial meeting of the summit.

Representatives of 132 countries are to take part in the summit.

Ambassador Suman said His Majesty is scheduled to inaugurate the Promote Nepal - 2005 on June 14, a road show to be organized in Doha. HM is also scheduled to grant audience to the Nepalese community living in Qatar.

His Majesty is scheduled to leave Doha on June 18 for Abu Dhabi. On his way back, His Majesty is scheduled to visit United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.  

HM to Visit Qatar (30 May) - His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is scheduled to arrive Qatar on 13th June on a 6 day visit. His Majesty will be leading the delegation of Nepal in the G-77 meeting scheduled to be held in Qatar from 12 - 16 of June 2005.

Foreign Employment Prospects
By Nirmal Gurung

His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev is participating in the second summit of the developing nations to be held in Doha, capital of Qatar, next week. Their Majesties the King and the Queen are leaving for Doha on June 13 at the friendly invitation of Amir Sheik Hammad Bin Khailifa for the summit being held from June 14-16. Their Majesties are also scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates on the way back home.

The visit by His Majesty to these Gulf countries is expected to promote not only bilateral relations but also promote foreign employment there. This should greatly help to boost Nepal's economy. Qatar is Nepal's second largest labour market with some 150,000 Nepalese working there. The UAE ranks third where another 100,000 Nepalese currently work.

According to international media reports, 123 countries are to attend the summit. Most of them are developing countries wanting to export manpower to the Gulf countries. British Prime Minister Tony Blair is also participating in the summit.

The government opened up the labour markets in 1994. Thus, our labour industry is quite new compared to the huge potential the workers of neighboring India, Bangladesh and Pakistan have. They excel in respect to quality and skilled manpower. Though India supplies talented and highly skilled human resources, most of the Gulf countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Qatar tend to like recruiting labourers from Nepal.

Massive unemployment in the domestic market is the main reason behind this upsurge in venturing out to distant lands. Of its total population of 23.4 million, 47 per cent is underemployed and remains a major challenge for Nepal. Likewise, 1.5 million people are totally unemployed. According to one estimate, every year 300,000 to 400,000 Nepalese youths enter the labour market. Out of the new entrants, 30 to 40 thousand find jobs in the country, while 100,000 go abroad. The rest remain in the country without jobs.

The 10-year-old insurgency has badly battered the economy, and there is little option other than to depend on overseas employment to sustain the national economy. This also remains the preferred, if not the sole, choice of the government, when it comes to promising people employment and a better future.

Also, considering the slim chances of reviving Nepal's sick industries to generate employment, going abroad for employment does sound definitely lucrative. According to the latest announcement of the government, more youths will be allowed to participate in foreign employment during the next fiscal year.

There is especially a big rush to go to the Gulf, Malaysia, Israel, South Korea, USA and other European countries. The serpentine queues for days on end outside the manpower agencies to be interviewed only shows how desperate the situation is for the Nepalese. Many a time, the youths have had to brave lathi-charges after those standing in line got a little unruly.

The growth in population will demand new jobs, and this calls for a strategic employment policy. Massive unemployment and high expectations among the younger generation have become a major challenge for all. Reducing unemployment and increasing the number of available jobs rest on political will and policy to complete in the global market. There is great potential for sending workers to the Persian Gulf countries, Malaysia, Korea and other European countries as well as USA.

Our future generation will definitely seek new jobs. The jobs will focus on areas like computers, clerical and secretarial jobs, business and finance, hotel, tourism and catering rather than menial work. It has become urgent that we help them in gaining confidence at employing oneself. Even to get a low-level job, Nepalese youths are having to sell their ornaments and land or lend money at high interest rates to pay the manpower companies. If Nepal wants economic security, it must manage its human resources properly.

The high-level visit to the Nepalese labour markets of Qatar and the UAE is expected to boost Nepal?s relation with the Gulf countries and hopefully increase quality work quotas for Nepalese workers. Furthermore, the visit will promote bilateral trade, tourism and Nepalese handicrafts in these nations.

Sound coordination among the ministries, especially between the Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions in the Gulf, is needed to boost foreign employment. Similarly, training officers in the Arabic language, opening new missions in countries with substantial Nepalese workers and equipping our missions so that they can handle this issue are necessary. In recent years, labour has become a major issue in Nepal?s international relations exercise, and will remain so at least in the foreseeable future.