It’s been almost 40 years since Nepal and Mexico established diplomatic ties. How have the relations between the two countries evolved over these years?

Over these years, we have had a very stable and fruitful political dialogue. We have increased our trade. The bilateral trade has doubled over the last five years although it is still very low given the trade possibilities between the two countries. We have had some educational exchanges in the past. But all this has to be increased. We are very much aware that 40 is an auspicious number. So, next year we will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mexico and Nepal. We have been discussing with government officials how we can boost development and assistance between our two countries.    

 

Now that Mexico has a Consulate in Kathmandu, what are the new priorities in Nepal-Mexico relations?

We have just opened our Consulate in Nepal and appointed Mr Naresh Dugar as our Honorary Consul. He is a young, active and dynamic entrepreneur. The Consulate will help us identify the sectors where we can increase our presence. It will also help us diversify trade and increase our trade balance. Regarding the new priorities, the first one is to celebrate together our 40 years of friendship. The other priority is to establish diplomatic mechanisms to have more direct and more frequent dialogue between the two sides. Similarly, we have to increase the number of missions travelling from either side to explore the possibilities of doing business. We have also identified some sectors where we can work together.

 

Talking about the dialogue between the two countries, how frequently do the government authorities meet?

They have been meeting now and then. Last month, there was an important visit from Nepal to Mexico. Your finance minister visited Mexico to participate in one international meeting on efficient economic aid. Similarly, a joint secretary from Nepal’s finance ministry visited Mexico last week to participate in another global initiative related with environment facilities.   

  

How is the situation of bilateral economic cooperation and how can we increase it?

As I said earlier, we have to work on increasing the trade. We have to explore new possibilities of economic cooperation and investment. The volume of bilateral annual trade, according to the latest statistics that I have, has reached quarter of a million dollar. And this trade is in Nepal’s favour. For each dollar we send to Nepal, we buy eight dollars from Nepal. To increase the bilateral trade, we have to explore new opportunities, which, I am sure, exist in abundance.  

 

How much interested are the Mexican companies to invest in Nepal?

This is something we have to discover. I think there are many opportunities in Nepal in several sectors such as hydropower, infrastructure, tourism, food processing etc. Mr Dugar will visit Mexico this month where he will be able to meet Mexican businessmen, convince them and invite them here to explore Nepal as an investment destination. Mexico and many other Latin American countries have invested in India. So, I don’t see any reason why they should not explore the investment opportunities in Nepal.    

 

What should Nepal do to attract Mexican investment?

Today, investments are made by private investors, not by governments. Private investors are looking for opportunities which can be cashed in on. Investors from not only Mexico but from any country are looking for friendly investment policies. I believe that Nepal is in the right direction to make friendly policies for foreign investment.   

 

The interaction between the business chambers of the two countries is very limited. Don’t you think it’s high time the business chambers of Nepal and Mexico started regular interaction?

I agree with you but I think this is something that has to be done simultaneously. We need to increase and diversify our trade. To increase and diversify our trade, there has to be greater engagement between the business persons of the two countries. The chambers of commerce of the two countries need to engage in talks to generate new ideas for trade and investment. We are also thinking to bring a business delegation from Mexico to Nepal.

 

Is there anything that you would like to say at the end?

I am very happy to be back in Nepal. This is a country I love very much. Currently, it is going through a transition phase which, I hope, will be soon over. Then Nepal can work to become a prosperous country. I also hope that Mexico-Nepal relationship will achieve newer heights in the days to come.