Significant Gathering
IT is a commonly
accepted observation that South Asian countries are sitting on a lot of energy potentials.
Unexploited, the potentials have meant very little for the common South Asians most of
whom live under abject penury. Much is made of these potentials as having the possibility
of getting a lot of South Asians out of the poverty line. Indeed, harnessing of energy
resources and their correct use--based on the principles of social justice—could make
a difference to their lives. Despite the rhetorics, however, efforts—both individual
and collective to--develop the energy sector have been far from vigorous. Regional
approach to develop this sector has floundered in the maze of petty national politics.
This is, to say the least, an unmitigated irony, against the ground realities that
clearly dictate that there be a close cooperation if the sector is to be developed to its
fullest extent. For instance, harnessing hydropower in a big way means cooperation
between two or more countries. Though the flow of rhetorics on the need
to come together goes unabated, waters continue to flow untapped. A climate of mistrust
prevails. Therefore, many, many years have been wasted without much to show in
regional cooperation in development of waters. In recent times, though, there have been
some moves to come closer on this issue.
In the meantime,
in keeping with the trend of global investment, countries outside the region are
also showing greater interests in the region’s energy potentials. The United States
is one of them. For months, it has been making preparations to host an energy conference
on South Asia that is now slated for next week in Kathmandu. At a long distance dialogue
via satellite between US energy officials and panellists in Kathmandu Tuesday, the former
sought to present the US views on what the forthcoming energy meet was
meant to achieve. It would provide a platform to showcase a whole range of energy
projects. The Americans’ stated hope is that the energy meet would open up vast
vistas for the US and the South Asian nations in the energy sphere, as it would bring
together officials and representatives from government and non-government sectors. For the
South Asian nations, the meet should serve not only as an occasion to solicit US
investment in the energy sector in their respective countries, but also talk to each other
to forge future cooperation. As to Nepal, it is hoped that it has prepared well for this
significant regional meet. Otherwise, an opportune moment to articulate its position on
energy development will be lost.
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