There are many investment opportunities in Nepal. '

 There are many investment opportunities in Nepal. '

French Ambassador to Nepal 

François-Xavier Léger is returning home this week after completing his three-year term. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1949, friendly relations have been maintained. The two countries established embassies in each other's countries in 1967. France has been supporting Nepal's development for a long time. However, in the last decade, high-level visits between the two countries have been declining.

In 2001, the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala visited France, then in 2019, the then Prime Minister KP Oli visited France. France has not had a government or head of state visit since 1983. In 1983, the then President of France, Francois Mitterrand, paid a state visit to Nepal. After Oli's visit, France was preparing for a high-level visit, but could not move forward due to the Corona epidemic.

There are various dimensions in the relations between Nepal and France and there are some similarities between the two countries. In this regard, the edited excerpt of the conversation between Ambassador Fanswa-Javie Leje and his three-year tenure and various other bilateral issues with Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Nasna Bajracharya: 

How do you review your three-year tenure as ambassador?

My appointment as Ambassador to Nepal took place in 2019, when we were celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and France. So the early part of my tenure was spent doing and participating in various programs. Then the Corona epidemic began.

Immediately, all my work and attention was focused on Covid-19 Response, taking European citizens from Nepal and facilitating the introduction of Corona vaccine in Nepal. My three years have been filled with completely different experiences. In the meantime, I have also played an important role in promoting Nepal's art and culture, which represents contemporary Nepal.

What has been your greatest achievement and learning during this period? Feeling we have 'Run out of gas' emotionally?

There are some similarities between Nepal and France. In particular, there are similarities between the two countries on issues of reciprocity, foreign policy, inclination towards peaceful talks, commitment of both countries to world peace and climate change. This is my first visit to Nepal. I found Nepal very different from the general understanding and belief about Nepal. Nepal is understood to be a small, underdeveloped country between two big countries, but Nepal is very rich in every field including history and culture.

Understanding Nepal's population is more complicated than I think. On a Monday in July, I visited the Pashupatinath Temple and learned that the culture is very complex. It takes a lot of time and effort to understand Nepal. One important lesson I learned here is family importance.

The people here have a lot of potential. They are working in a multinational company, they are expanding their business outside the country, the youth force is more dynamic and women leadership is equally active. Those working in the informal sector are also working hard. Their flexibility and endurance is truly commendable.

The thing that surprised me was that I could not visit different parts for various reasons. Due to my own compulsions and epidemics, traveling was impossible for me. But I would like to come back to Nepal and visit Upper Mustang, Manang, Dolpa and Terai region.

Now, would you like to say something to the ambassador who is coming to Nepal as your successor?

The meeting with the people here is amazing. So my suggestion is to go out, meet people and interact with them. Take time to understand Nepal in depth. My emphasis is to go out of Kathmandu, observe the real Nepal and its diversity. I will definitely miss the people here. I am confident that the Embassy's Green Embassy project will be taken forward. This is not just a project, it is a process. It needs to be taken forward in the long run.

France has helped Nepal to fight against covid, how do you see its use and effectiveness?

When the aid used by France came to Nepal, I had the opportunity to visit the place where it was stored. There is a tracking system for medical supplies. This will allow you to find out how the content has been used and distributed. I am fully convinced that our assistance is transparent and distributed at the provincial level. That's what we want to be distributed.

Nepal is looking for international investment to boost the economy but has not come. In your experience, what is the potential for investment in Nepal?

There are many investment opportunities in Nepal. Nepal already has famous landmarks and cultural diversity. It can be used not only for tourism but also for investment purposes in a planned manner. Nepal should explore the possibility of bringing in investment from EU countries.

France has already invested in Nepal. A French company has invested in the Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project. Similarly, it is also assisting in various other areas. Nepal can bring investment in solar farms, roads, public transport, cable cars and other sectors. Similarly, Nepal can export coffee, tea, honey and other goods. Nepal has many options for investment and export.

After a long time, Prime Minister KP Oli visited France in 2019, but there has been no high-level visit from France since 1983. What are the reasons behind this?

Prime Minister KP Oli visited France on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations. In the same year, the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs visited Nepal.

There were also talks of a high-level visit from France, but it had to be reconsidered due to the epidemic. Nepal and France have very cordial, peaceful and good relations. But I think there will be a high-level visit from France soon. That will further strengthen bilateral relations.