Focus On Economic Front
The summit of Group 77 countries provides an opportunity for Nepal to put its case for economic development
By SANJAYA DHAKAL
Doha Summit of G77 countries would provide an important opportunity for Nepal to put forth its case for economic development apart from renewing ties with many other countries.
Given the current political fluidity in Nepal , the bilateral talks that could take place on the sidelines of the Doha Summit of G77 countries would overshadow the entire summit proceedings.
Although not yet confirmed, King Gyanendra, who is leading the Nepalese delegation to Doha , is expected to have bilateral talks with some leaders of south Asian countries, too, on the sidelines of the Summit .
These bilateral talks would also have an important bearing as they come at a time when Nepal is in the grip of political impasse.
In a message to the countrymen issued on the eve of his departure to Doha , King Gyanendra has expressed confidence that the Summit will provide a collective voice, along with a common platform, for developing nations and prove a milestone in fostering even closer mutually beneficial economic ties amongst themselves, as well as with the developed nations. The King will address the summit on June 15 and he is expected to focus on economic development agenda.
The current Doha Summit has assumed greater significance because it is the only multilateral meeting of the heads of states and governments of developing countries coming before the scheduled discussion on UN reforms.
The participating countries, including Nepal , will discuss and put their views regarding the proposal of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on the proposed reforms of the United Nations System.
The Summit of the Group 77 countries in Doha , Qatar is to focus on the development of economies of the third world. According to news reports, the G77, which comprises of 132 developing countries at the UN, will discus South-South partnerships, North-South relations and UN reform at the two-day long summit on June 15-16. The G77 is the largest Third World coalition and has been focusing on the economic development since its founding in 1964. Some of the G77 countries such as India and China have currently been growing rapidly. But many other G77 countries, including Nepal , are still languishing in abject poverty.
Quite like during the Jakarta Summit of Asian and African countries, King Gyanendra is expected to highlight the situation in Nepal and the efforts of his government to bring about improvement in the situation of the country. However, in Doha , the King is expected to concentrate more on economic development. Earlier, foreign minister Ramesh Nath Pandey had said that the King would present economic roadmap for the country.
Also hinting of bilateral exchanges, Minister Pandey said, “Many leaders have expressed interest (to meet with) His Majesty.” Of particular interest and significance would be the King’s meeting with leaders of delegation of South Asian countries. The Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders of the SAARC countries to exchange their views especially in view of finalization of new dates for the SAARC Summit slated to be held later this year.
Meanwhile, back at home, the political leaders do not seem encouraged by the Doha summit. “A country where there is no liberal democracy and which is internally divided will not get international support and respect,” Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, former foreign minister and leader of Nepali Congress (NC) had said at an interaction program last week in capital.
Apart from multilateral and bilateral talks, the visit to the Gulf state was itself a long overdue one. Since around 200,000 Nepalese work in Qatar , the Gulf state has a huge importance in Nepal ’s economic stability, especially at these trying times. Therefore, such visits at the highest level would only serve to promote the interests of Nepalese workers there. Following the visit to Qatar , the King is also scheduled to visit Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates – another place where a large number of Nepalese work – before returning home on June 22.
