By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
The ongoing “The Nepal Investment Summit” in Kathmandu attempted to enthuse the Nepalese people that the current government coalition is on the right track. The situation is so rosy that many foreign investors were assembled here to explore ways and means to directly invest in this so economy-friendly country.
The fact of the matter is that the various main political parties – akin to Mafia-like families – have made a mess of the country – politically, economically and socially. Only the leaders of the main political parties – ahem the Dons of the Mafia-families – have been able to enrich themselves.
Only the would-be investing potentates assembled in one of the most-polluted cities in the world seem to be unaware of the real situation.
Nexus Between Economic Development & Buoyant Foreign Policy
Nepal’s foreign policy is in the doldrums, because the Communist-led government and the key ministries are unable to chart a safe passage between the two Asian behemoths.
Besides the domestic malaise, the standstill in foreign affairs also contributes to Nepal not moving forward. It seems we do not have the necessary experts in the various sectors.
Skilled diplomacy should have long unraveled the air route issue which have made the brand-new airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa non-functional.
Thus, instead of announcing the possibility of some infrastructure development projects, both India and China repeated platitudes and their good intentions [India could have announced the clearance of domestic and international air-routes from India to Nepal’s new airports, constructed with Chinese assistance. Why this ‘dog in the manger’ policy which is dead against ‘good neighbour doctrine’?].
Nepal’s foreign policy establishment is unable to make clear that Nepal pursues a strict policy of non-alignment on multiple fronts:
— Between India and China
— Between India and Pakistan
— Between the United States and China.
Unfortunately, the country’s so-called decision-makers have been unable to clarify Nepal’s stand on two raging wars in:
- Eastern Europe, between Russia and Ukraine, as well as
- Middle East, between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Enclave, and the shadow-war between Israel and Iran plus proxies.
The fact is that Nepal has not taken a principled stand on both issues.
Exempting Nepalese travelers to China from visa fees is not particularly elevating.
Major Irritant: Nepalese Mercenaries in Russia
Then, there is the question of Nepalese citizens serving in the Russian army. No headway has been made. There are ways and means to put the Russian government under pressure – even by a small country like Nepal – but the government is unwilling to lift a finger.
And in the meantime, the affected families of the serving soldiers (no better than cannon fodder), those missing and dead continue to suffer. What heartfelt and compassionate Dons do we have?
Mixed Opportunity with Qatar
The sad fact is that the governing coalition missed a golden opportunity when the Emir of Qatar visited Nepal last week. Because the government failed to do its homework, nothing substantial was achieved.
Considering that Nepalese migrant workers have made a substantial contribution to the development of this gulf state, the achievement of the government is laughable.
The complete lack of expertise (or the inability to garner such) in all sectors is glaring.
How long are the Nepalese people going to tolerate such insufferable and incompetent behavior?
The writer can be reached at: shashipbmalla@hotmail.com
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect People’s Review’s editorial stance.
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