न्यूज अभियान
हरेक खबर विशेष खबर

Kathmandu, Nov 5: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has underscored the need of recognizing and enhancing the value of diverse national assets of Nepal.

In his address to an event organized under the theme of 'Brand Nepal: National Assets, Global Narratives and Strategic Opportunities' in the federal capital on Thursday, Minister Khanal viewed, "Generations of artisanal excellence, agricultural innovation and traditional knowledge have produced a remarkable national inheritance."

According to him, handwoven textiles, indigenous agricultural practices, traditional medicinal knowledge, regional cuisines and artistic expressions carry immense cultural and economic potential.

There is distinctive combination of place, knowledge and identity in these products and expressions.  "Appropriate intellectual-property protection, geographical indications, certification mechanisms, and quality standards can strengthen their international recognition and competitiveness," he underscored.

He advocated for ensuring that ownership rights to producers and communities in addition to fair share of the value the products create. "We must cultivate a broader and more compelling national narrative through public diplomacy. Nepal possesses a wealth of achievements that deserve greater international visibility", he argued. 

Nepal's creative industries, emerging digital talent and traditions of cultural coexistence offer further expressions of contemporary Nepal. Public diplomacy allows us to communicate these strengths directly to international societies, institutions, and communities, according to him. 

The Minister shared that the activities of Foreign Ministry on cultural exchanges, academic partnerships, diaspora engagement, and strategic communication.

"Initiatives such as the Sagarmatha Sambaad, convened in 2025 and scheduled again for 2027, demonstrate Nepal’s growing role in shaping global conversations. By facilitating dialogue on shared challenges, including climate change and sustainable development, we strengthen our standing as a constructive international partner," he added.

Connecting Nepal's national identity with emerging strategic opportunities is equally important priority, he said, adding that Nepal’s geography, ecological diversity, human capital and diplomatic relationships offer significant prospects for economic advancement.

In his address, the Minister featured intricate craftsmanship of the Kathmandu Valley, Tharu artistic and ecological practices to the literary expressions of Maithili, Bhojpuri and Awadhi-speaking communities; and from Kirat traditions in the eastern hills to the knowledge preserved across our mountains, hills, and plains, each contributes to our collective identity.

He pledged rebranding how Nepal presents itself to the world, building upon our established identity while bringing contemporary achievements and emerging capabilities into sharper focus. "We envision a Nepal confident in its heritage, dynamic in its outlook and increasingly recognized for its contributions to global progress," Minister Khanal added. 

Brand Nepal is therefore integral to our development aspirations and foreign policy priorities, according to him.

A project report on 'Brand Nepal: National Assets, Global Narratives and Strategic Opportunities' was disseminated on the occasion. It was prepared by the Institute of Foreign Affairs. 
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