“We Support The Efforts Of The Government And The People Of Nepal To Get Rid Of This Menace Of Terrorism”
— Sohail Amin
Sohail Amin is the new Pakistani ambassador to Nepal. Having joined Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1980, Amin, 54, has held various diplomatic assignments in Pakistan missions abroad including in Iraq, Germany, Sudan, Australia and Indonesia. Prior to assuming his assignment in Kathmandu, Amin worked as Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad. Two months after he arrived in Kathmandu, Amin spoke to KESHAB POUDEL and SANJAYA DHAKAL regarding the bilateral relations between the two south Asian countries. Excerpts:
What is the state of bilateral relations between Nepal and Pakistan?
We have excellent relations with Nepal both at political and economic field. In fact, these relations have remained excellent all through he times and there have never been any irritant or problem between the two countries sever. I see a very bright future of these excellent relations, which we will continue. During my tenure, I will do my best to further enhance these existing excellent relations.
What do you say about the present situation in Nepal?
Pakistan supports Nepal’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We respect the principle of non-interference and view the recent developments as purely an internal matter. Most importantly, we are confident that Nepal and its proud people will effectively overcome any transient difficulty. We have always supported the efforts of the government and the people of Nepal to get rid of this menace of terrorism. We would also continue to extend all possible assistance for the economic development of Nepal.
How do you find the level of economic relations between the two countries?
I would say that the level of economic relations has improved over the years but still it is not commensurate with the true potentials of the two countries. We have a current trade of about US$ 8 million. But this is not sufficient. This is one area where we both would have to do a lot of things together. In this regard, I am putting my emphasis also on the expanding of trade relations between the two countries.
Pakistan has provided duty free facilities to Nepalese tea. Are there rooms for more Nepalese tea exports to Pakistan? What about possibilities of joint venture investment in tea sector?
I am very pleased that Nepalese tea has found market in Pakistan. Surprisingly, only 2/3 years ago it was negligible but now it has picked up pace and at present there are around 800,000 kgs of tea going from Nepal to Pakistan. There is certainly room for further increase in this volume of export because we are a tea-drinking nation and there is a lot of consumption of tea in Pakistan. But, of course, this expansion would depend on the cost competitiveness as compared to some other countries. We are providing duty free access to Nepalese tea and that’s why it has picked up pace. We provided this facility in keeping with the excellent relations between the two countries. I would also like to say here that the quality of Nepalese tea is very good because the plants here in the tea farms are new and their produce is of very high quality. I have had meetings with the association of tea exporters of Nepal and there is a great prospect of joint venture between the two countries, particularly in marketing and export-oriented strategy.
Why do you think Nepal-Pakistan relations have not yet developed into a strong bond? What must be done to strengthen the relations?
I would not fully agree with this statement because there are strong bonds between the two countries. We can further improve on this and, of course, there are many areas where we can work together. There are several areas in which Pakistan has great expertise and there are several areas in which Nepal has great expertise. We can mutually benefit from each other. I think this will happen in the days to come.
How do you look at the level of interaction between the two countries?
I think the level of interaction is satisfactory because it is not just concentrated on economy but also culture, tourism and so on in which delegations are visiting each other’s countries. And these are producing desired results. The Joint Economic Commission, which could not meet for the last nine years, met two months ago. The FNCCI and CNI of Nepal have very good collaborative arrangement with FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry) in Karachi. I would like to inform you that the Joint Business Council, which last met in 2002, would be hopefully held in November this year. That will give a great push to our bilateral economic relations and cooperation.
Nepal and Pakistan has had four decades long history of establishment of bilateral relations but we are yet to expand our trade and other relations. How do you look at it?
The most important forum for this cooperation was the Joint Economic Council, which unfortunately could meet (two months ago) after a gap of nine years. It should be held every year. Anyway, its meeting has laid new foundation to build the economic relations. Its next meeting is scheduled to be held next year in Islamabad. The Joint Business Council would also help us in strengthening trade relations. There is bright future, I would say.
In what areas, Nepal and Pakistan need to work together?
There are several areas. I would spell out all the areas where we can work together. First important area is that of water and power and alternate energy. Nepal has acquired great expertise in that area and we are looking forward to collaboration between our alternate energy board and its counterpart in Nepal. There are thousands of micro-hydro power projects in Nepal and we would like to share its experiences and benefit from that. In the field of communication, Pakistan is providing training to Nepalese officials in our Postal Staff College. In the area of agriculture and livestock, we can undertake a lot of cooperation; for example in cattle-breeding, artificial insemination and animal health. In the area of community forestry, Nepal has a great expertise and we would like to benefit from it. In the field of health also we can cooperate in areas like radiology, pediatrics and other high value sciences, which will help develop both the countries. In the field of culture, there is a lot to be done. An agreement is likely to be finalized soon in this area. The other area where there should be progress is the Free Trade Agreement, which Pakistan has proposed with Nepal. I think this will greatly help in furthering our economic and trade relations. We have acquired a lot of experience in privatization from which Nepal can benefit. In education sector, we offer 15 scholarships to Nepalese students every year in professional institutions in medicines, engineering pharmacy, dentistry. In addition to these 15 seats, we also offer some other seats. Last year, we offered 33 seats. Now there are several Nepalese students in Pakistan, which will help both the countries in creating understanding and enhancing the people-to-people relations as well.
Do you see the possibility in increasing cooperation in the tourism sector?
Tourism is one area in which the two countries must cooperate because there are a lot of commonalities. Nepal has religious, adventure and mountain tourism. We also have all these three types of tourism. In fact, our Gandhara civilization is one of the oldest. There will be an agreement between Pakistan and Nepal very soon on tourism. The purpose will be to establish joint ventures between the two countries to encourage tourists from third countries to visit both Nepal and Pakistan in joint packages - these will be in form of mountain, religious and adventure tourism. In fact, there is a delegation of tour operators who are coming here very soon to learn about Nepal.
How do you see the future of SAARC process?
The 12th SAARC Summit, which was held in Islamabad, had taken several historic decisions. We are disappointed at the postponement of the 13th SAARC Summit, which was to be held in Dhaka. SAARC is a very important process in south Asia to promote the prospect of regional cooperation, which can bring about prosperity and development to over 1 billion people of the region. We attach great importance to this process and we consider it extremely imperative that the SAARC process does not get disrupted. We hope that fresh dates for holding the SAARC Summit will soon be agreed upon.
What has been your first impression about Nepal after having come to this country in a difficult period?
It is a wonderful country. It has a proud past and a promising future. I have not felt more at home in any of my postings abroad than what I felt when I arrived here. People are so friendly, nice and considerate. I have a lot of respect and regard and I hold Nepalese people in very high esteem. In fact, like some of my other diplomatic colleagues, I am also fond of trekking. Within the first week of my arrival here, I have gone to Shivapuri and I am planning to go to other places also. It is an absolutely safe and secure place. I have been walking around the city and its suburbs without any difficulty. It is a wonderful place and I look forward to having a very rewarding tenure in Nepal.
