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Ram Thapa has recently been appointed Royal Nepalese Consul in Northwestheinphalia for Cologne, Germany, by His Majesty’s Government in October 2001. Thapa has been living in Germany for the past 25 years. He is by profession a banking analyst. During his stay in Germany he has formed various organizations in a bid to promote Nepal in Germany. Besides, he is also President of German-Nepal Friendship Association (GNFA) in Cologne. He has to his credit various kinds of programmes in Germany with a view to strengthen trade, economic and social relations between Nepal and Germany. He has also been honored with special award by the German Chancellor for strengthening Nepal-Germany friendships. Recently Thapa was in the capital to participate at the 10th annual conference of Nepal-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NGCCI). During his stay in Nepal, Business Age correspondent had discussed at length about further potential of Nepal-Germany trade and economic relations. Excerpts:

How do you evaluate the existing relations between Nepal and Germany?

Nepal and Germany have age-old relationship. Germans see Nepal in a very positive light. In recent times, the relations between the two countries is becoming stonger. However, the existing relationship between the two countries has not turned into real economic benefits yet. Therefore, there seems much more to be done on this front from which especially Nepal can benefit if we could expedite activities in Germany in the field of trade and commerce.

In which area Nepal should focus for reaping huge benefits from German markets ?

Nepal, being a small nation, has not been able to penetrate into German markets yet in a full fledged way. Despite Germans perceiving Nepal as a good country of nice people, we are still lacking in terms of enhancing to increase our activities in Germany. The government has to take extra initiatives giving top priority to "economic diplomacy" to reap benefits from the Germany markets. Nepal has been exporting its products in a sizeable quantity to German markets. However, this has not been sufficient. There is still a big opportunity for Nepalese products in Germany.

Could you give some tips that can help Nepal to explore more trade and economic activities between the two nations ?

There is a need for effective plans, policies and strategies from the government through diplomatic missions. The government, at times, has to direct its embassy in Germany and provide specific plans for implementation. Only after that activities could be explored in Germany that will ultimately give a boost to trade and economic activities between the two nations. The government should take the initiative and diplomatic missions should follow suit.

We too are all set to support the government’s initiatives in Germany. Though our government and other private organizations are conducting programmes at times in Germany, it has not been sufficient at this present context.

At a time when the global competition is getting tough, how can Nepal benefit out of this whole gamut making her produce competitive ?

You see, global trade is becoming more competitive and at the same time expanding as well. While speaking about Germany, it is a huge market and holds tremendous potential for Nepalese products. If Nepal could exploit German markets, it would do wonders for our nation. At the same time, there is a need to expedite promotional activities in Germany which will help to fuel tourism promotion along with trade and investment activities in the days ahead.

On an annual basis, programmes ought to be charted out in joint collaboration with Nepalese representatives’ offices in Germany which will help in intensify bilateral trade and economic activities. If we are not able to more in the direction the global competition is moving, we will be left behind in all fronts.

What are the major sectors that Nepal can benefit from Germany ?

The major sectors Nepal can benefit from Germany are trade, investment and tourism. Nepal can invite German investors for joint ventures. However, environmental aspects should be there. Nepal can reap huge benefits from tourism as well. There is more prospect for visiting German tourists to Nepal but awareness is needed along with promotional activities in each and every state of Germany.

We are wasting time in the name of expediting and intensifying our economic diplomacy to give a boost to our national economy. Nepal can strengthen its missions by giving proper plans and directions at times. Germany calls on all diplomats from across the globe annually. Nepal can also do so annually. After the Nepalese government stopped direct flights to Germany, tourists have been hit hard. There is an urgent need to re-start direct flights between Nepal and Germany to explore more trade, economic and tourism activities. This will further help to attract more tourists to Nepal in the days ahead.

What is the trading position of Nepal with Germany ?

As far as I know, Germany comes in third rank as a trading partner of Nepal. Exports of Nepalese goods to Germany, according to available statistics, stood at 187 million DM worth of goods versus less than 30 million DM in German imports. In the year 2000, Nepalese exports rose to DM 203.5 million and imports to almost 38 million which is representing a healthy growth. There is a trade surplus in favour of Nepal at present.

Not only that, Germany is one of the biggest development assistance providers among Nepal’s top four most important donor countries. Despite severe budget cuts in Germany, German government is still increasing its assistance to Nepal, records show.

As you know that Euro currency has been being introduced after January 2002 in 12 European countries, how do you see its impact on Nepalese economy especially in relation with German trade ?

It is a fact that Europe is going to shift to a single currency – The Euro which has aroused great anxiety among us as well. The days for Nepalese trade are becoming more complicated with global competition being changed drastically. All 12 European countries from January 1 bid good-bye to the German Mark, French Franc, Spanish Peseta, Italian Lira and eight other European currencies.The Euro, the most significant new currency is set to hit world markets as the US dollar.

I see great challenge for chambers like Nepal German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NGCCI) as the chamber will be a de facto European Chamber after this kind of European integration. I urge all concerned businessmen and government agencies to be prepared to face the challenges to reap benefits out of it. If we cannot move as the time passes, our past efforts will turn into dust.

Especially, private sector should be more assertive to face such challenges and take extra initiatives for the advancement of the economy.

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