Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: CPN-UML lawmaker Arjun Kumar Karki has proposed that the primary responsibility for mobilizing foreign aid be assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Presenting an amendment to the government’s policy and program for fiscal year 2026/27 in the meeting of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Karki said the government must prioritize economic diplomacy in Nepal’s foreign policy.
“The current arrangement, under which foreign aid mobilization falls under the Ministry of Finance, should be revised so that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions take the lead role,” he said, adding that effective mobilization of foreign assistance is key to achieving poverty reduction and graduating to developing country status.
Karki maintained that structural reforms are necessary to make economic diplomacy more effective and results-oriented. He also underlined the need for effective mobilization of human resources stationed at Nepal’s diplomatic missions for economic diplomacy. “We have 44 diplomatic missions in 33 countries. It is essential to effectively utilize the expertise of these missions for economic diplomacy,” he said. “The primary responsibility for mobilizing foreign aid should be given to the foreign ministry. The finance ministry should focus only on deciding how the received aid is allocated.”
Karki also called on the government to establish an effective “NRN Investment Fund” to attract investment from the Nepali diaspora and non-resident Nepalis (NRNs). “NRNs should be exempt from double taxation. The government should create an investment-friendly environment to channel their capital into Nepal’s development,” he added.
Drawing on his experience in the diplomatic sector, Karki also advised the government to take special initiatives in mobilizing international assistance while keeping national sovereignty and self-respect at the center.
