V O K

The fourth global conference of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has concluded in Kathmandu late evening Thursday issuing a 18-point Kathmandu declaration.

The declaration has welcomed government commitments to strive for dual citizenship to NRNs, create an investment friendly environment, implement the provisions of NRN Act and provide special identity cards to NRNs through Nepali missions in various countries by 2010.

Likewise, the declaration has also urged NRNs to invest in Kathmandu-Birgunj fast-track, hydro-electric projects and infrastructure developments, especially in the rural and conflict affected regions. It has also urged the NRNs to support from their respective countries to make the Nepal Tourism Year 2011 a success.

The conference has decided to mobilise the association for economic diplomacy, utilise expertise of NRNs in national projects, become active in the issues of climate change and food security, and establish an investment fund of Rs 100 million within a year the association is registered in Nepal, the declaration mentions.

The conference has also elected and executive committee led Japan-based entrepreneur Dev Man Hirachan for a two-year term. Hirachan was elected NRNA president unanimously after other two contenders – Ram Pratap Thapa and Bhim Udas – withdrew in his support.

Ratan Kumar Jha was elected unopposed for the post of General Secretary. Likewise, Ganesh Kumar Ijam,  Ambika Prasad Adhikari, Hitman Gurung, and Gowa Katwal have been elected unopposed to the post of regional coordinators for Asia-Pacific, America, Europe and Oceania, respectively.

Dron Prakash Rasaili, Mohammadin Miya and Tribhuvan Shrestha have been elected unopposed to the post of deputy coordinators for America, Middle East and Oceania, respectively.

While most of the positions were filled unanimously, some of the positions were filled up by election.

The conference has also decided organise the fifth global conference of the association in October 2011.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and Foreign Minister Sujata had addressed the closing ceremony of the conference. In his speech, PM Nepal vowed on behalf of Nepal government to create an investment friendly environment to NRNs and urged them to do so.

Source:nepalnews.com