Kathmandu: Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal has stressed the need to recognise, promote and enhance the value of Nepal’s diverse national assets to strengthen the country’s global identity and create new economic opportunities.
Addressing an event titled ‘Brand Nepal: National Assets, Global Narratives and Strategic Opportunities’ in Kathmandu on Thursday, November 5, Minister Khanal said generations of artisanal excellence, agricultural innovation and traditional knowledge had created a rich national heritage with significant cultural and economic potential.
He highlighted handwoven textiles, indigenous agricultural practices, traditional medicinal knowledge, regional cuisines and artistic expressions as valuable national assets that could gain greater international recognition.
“Appropriate intellectual property protection, geographical indications, certification mechanisms and quality standards can strengthen their international recognition and competitiveness,” he said.
The Honorable Minister also emphasised the need to safeguard the ownership rights of producers and local communities while ensuring they receive a fair share of the value generated by their products.
He called for developing a broader and more compelling national narrative through public diplomacy, noting that Nepal had numerous achievements and strengths deserving greater international visibility.
According to him, Nepal’s creative industries, emerging digital talent and traditions of cultural coexistence offer important opportunities to showcase the country’s contemporary identity to the international community.
He also highlighted the Foreign Ministry’s initiatives in cultural exchanges, academic partnerships, diaspora engagement and strategic communication as important instruments of public diplomacy.
Referring to the Sagarmatha Sambaad, first convened in 2025 and scheduled to be held again in 2027, Khanal said such initiatives demonstrated Nepal’s growing role in shaping global discussions.
“By facilitating dialogue on shared challenges, including climate change and sustainable development, we strengthen our standing as a constructive international partner,” he said.
The Minister further underlined the importance of connecting Nepal’s national identity with emerging strategic opportunities, pointing out that the country’s geographical location, ecological diversity, human capital and diplomatic relations offered considerable prospects for economic advancement.
Highlighting Nepal’s cultural diversity, he referred to the intricate craftsmanship of the Kathmandu Valley, the artistic and ecological practices of the Tharu community, the literary traditions of Maithili-, Bhojpuri- and Awadhi-speaking communities, and the Kirat traditions of the eastern hills, alongside the knowledge and heritage preserved across the mountains, hills and plains.
He said Nepal needed to strengthen the way it presented itself to the world by building on its established identity while giving greater prominence to contemporary achievements and emerging capabilities.
“We envision a Nepal confident in its heritage, dynamic in its outlook and increasingly recognised for its contributions to global progress,” Khanal said.
He described Brand Nepal as an integral part of the country’s development aspirations and foreign policy priorities.
On the occasion, a project report titled ‘Brand Nepal: National Assets, Global Narratives and Strategic Opportunities’, prepared by the Institute of Foreign Affairs, was disseminated. — RSS
