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			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal and Finland established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1974. &nbsp;Bilateral relations between the two countries have been marked by friendship, cordiality and cooperation. The Finnish Embassy was opened in Kathmandu at the Charge d&rsquo; Affaires level in 1992, and was subsequently upgraded with the appointment of its Ambassador in September, 2011. Nepal has no residential Embassy in Helsinki. The Embassy of Nepal in Copenhagen is concurrently accredited to Finland.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Bilateral consultations on development cooperation were held between Nepal&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance and Finland&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003, 2007, 2010 and January 2013 in Kathmandu.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some important bilateral visits of the several high-level visits that have taken place between Nepal and Finland, are:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &lsquo;Prachanda&rsquo; paid an official visit to Finland on April 1-3, 2009 at the friendly invitation of the Prime Minister of Finland Mr. Matti Vanhanen. The then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala visited Finland in March 2010.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish Foreign Trade and Development Minister Mr. Paavo Vayrynen&rsquo;s visited Nepal on 3 February 2009. Ms. Heidi Hautala, Minister for International Development visited Nepal from December 2-6, 2011.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The relations between Finland and Nepal are based on development cooperation. Through its cooperation in development, Finland has been assisting Nepal to reduce poverty, enhance the peace process, root democracy into the society, improve human rights and promote environmentally sustainable development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	By supporting Nepal, Finland aims to contribute to the stability of wider Southern Asia, which is in the interest of Finland&rsquo;s foreign and security policies. Because Nepal has relatively few donors, and this has enabled Finland to contribute in sectors that can provide visibility to its cooperation and good results in sectors that are essential for Nepal&rsquo;s development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finland operates in Nepal&rsquo;s environment and education sectors. These are areas in which Finland has good international reputation, lengthy experience and has been adding significant value.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish cooperation in Nepal began in 1982 with the grant assistance of 6000 MT of chemical fertilizers. Such assistance has increased and widened in recent years. Earlier the Finnish development programme in Nepal was focused on energy, forestry and water resources. In recent days, Finnish development cooperation has shifted attention towards poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and promotion of democracy, human rights and participatory system of governance.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal is one of Finland&rsquo;s eight long-term development partner countries, along with Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya in Africa, Nicaragua in Latin America and Vietnam in Asia. In addition to water and sanitation, education and environment sectors, Finland has supported in Nepal&rsquo;s Peace Trust Fund, OHCHR as well as Nepalese NGOs. Finland provided US$22 million in the Fiscal 2010-2011.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish NGOs&rsquo; projects</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is an important part of Finland&rsquo;s development cooperation. In Nepal, Finland channels currently 25 per cent of development aid through Finnish NGOs. They carry out development projects in Nepal together with their Nepalese partner organizations.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2013 the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is funding about 50 NGO projects which are implemented by 16 Finnish NGOs in Nepal. The combined annual (2013) budget of these projects is around EUR 4.7 million. Refer to table below for more information. In addition, some Finnish foundations, such as Abilis, KIOS and Siemenpuu, are supporting local NGO projects in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Finnish NGos' Projects" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 563px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bilateral development cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland has been providing cooperation in education, water and forestry sectors of Nepal. As a nation which has gained international reputation, lengthy experience in this sector, its contribution has added significant value to give. The cooperation is based on Country Strategy (2013-2016).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in education sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland is funding Nepal&rsquo;s School System Reform Programme (SSRP). The programme&rsquo;s main aim is to make the education system accessible to all Nepalese school-aged children and improve the quality of teaching in grades 1&ndash;8. The programme also aims to increase the number of students as well as the quality of education in grades 9&ndash;12. In 2010 estimated 93.7 % of Nepalese children went to school.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In education sector funds are also allocated to Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme (TVET). The aim is to improve the pupils&rsquo; vocational trainability and capabilities to enter job markets. In the long run the goal is to support the whole vocational training system in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in forestry sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland had a significant role in the development of Nepal&rsquo;s forestry sector in 1980&rsquo;s and 1990&rsquo;s. Now Finland funds Forest Resource Assessment in Nepal (FRAN)&ndash;project which aims at developing a uniform system to collect and share information about forest stock, biomass and biodiversity in Nepal. This makes forest related information more easily available and improves the possibilities to use it in nation-wide decision making process. The project is implemented in 2009&ndash;2014. Cooperation in environmental sector will be closed at the end of 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in industrial sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The area in Dharan-Biratnagar&rsquo;s industrial tunnel is one of Nepal&rsquo;s fastest urbanizing and industrializing areas. Strengthening of Environmental Administration and Management in Nepal (SEAM-N) -Project aims at strengthening the administrator&acute;s and industries&rsquo; capacity to plan, manage and monitor environmental issues and to reduce environmental pollution from different sources in the project area. The project has also been a pilot project for regional administration since its start in 2001. SEAM-N is now in its third and completion phase. It will conclude in 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Trade/Investment</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Trade between Nepal and Finland is sill insignificant, as shown in the table below:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Trade / Investment" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 187px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A MoU between FNCCI and its Finnish counterpart was signed in 1993 during the then Nepalese Prime Minister&rsquo;s Visit to Finland. Similarly, an agreement between Nepal and Finland on Promotion and Protection of Investment was signed l on 3 February 2009.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish firms have some significant investments in Nepal. Department of Industry data reveals that there were 5 joint ventures with the Finnish investment of Rs. 2.5 million until July 2012, which created 149 jobs in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tourism</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though number of Finnish tourist arrival in Nepal at present is not considerable, there is prospect of attracting more Finnish tourists in the future. In 2010 and 2011, Finnish visitors travelling to Nepal stood at 3,284 and 2,276, respectively.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p style="text-align: center;">
		<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>&ldquo;Stable political condition invited financial support to Nepal&rdquo;</strong></span></p>
	<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Asko Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 218px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
					<div align="center">
						<div>
							<strong>Asko Luukkainen</strong></div>
						<div>
							Ambassador of Finland to Nepal</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Before we talk about Nepal-Finland relations, let us first know the secret of Finland having almost USD 50,000 as annual per capita income, and the stable republic democratic status in spite of coalition after every election in Finland. How could you maintain your political and economic stability after a long time?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We got the independence in 1917 and after that we have had the election in every four years for the parliament and the system is working very nicely. I think first of all we have good infrastructure, good governance system, democratic system so that the investors are interested in these kind of countries and that may be the key to success for our economy which is doing quite well. Of course we have difficulties at the moments like the other European countries but basically we are doing quite well. So I think the investors are interested in the countries which are stable and they know what is going to happen in the future.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finland is also called the land of the midnight sun. And also it has 180, 000 or more lakes and 179, 000 islands. So how do you manage to administer such a huge number of islands?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The islands first of all are the part of some municipality so the municipalities take care of the respective islands and the infrastructures or whatever is needed in the islands. We have a very strong local governance system which can manage these things very easily.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Often several organizations connected with global business have found Finland to be very competitive country economically. It is also the land of some leading brands like Nokia. What is the secret behind the stable and competitive nature of economy and also the birth of good brands in Finland?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, it is little bit of mystery to me as well because our salary level is very high so we are not supposed to have a very competitive procession but how the companies take care of the economy and how they take care of their quality production may be the secret behind this success.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have worked in the Finnish Embassy earlier, and now back as a full-Fledged Ambassador. Please tell us what differences did you really find in Nepal&rsquo;s economy, politics and society between your first and second term to Nepal? &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		I arrived for the first time in 1st of August 2000 and then I left in the end of February 2004. &nbsp;At that time situation in Nepal was totally different. Civil war was going on and it was escalating every time during my stay that time. When I came back during this term, political situation is still in the turmoil but at least there is no war so that the biggest change.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nepali Population is not happy with their political parties and the people don&rsquo;t have smiling faces&rdquo;. You had once said it in 2012. What made you to draw this conclusion? Do you subscribe to this view one year later now?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, first of all if I said &ldquo;not smiling face&rdquo; that is not the truth because Nepali have always smiling faces. But during that time, the people were going through a really miserable condition. The people were not being able to work and earn for living. Rampant bandas was disturbing everybody in Nepal. I always speak against bandas as they are always disturbing to the people. Politicians are to take care of the issues of the people but it&rsquo;s the habit of the political parties in Nepal and some other countries to depend upon banda for solving their problems. But that is not the case. It is just disturbing the economy and people are disappointed with such activities.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will the current election augur in the life of the Nepali population and what should be the priorities immediately after the elections?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Election has come up with new possibilities and hopes for the common people. After the CA election now the local elections also should be held. This is very important for the people especially who are living in the poor areas.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>One of the biggest roles that you have been doing in this country is in the development sector. In fact, Nepal is one of your six top development partners, the other five being in Africa. So what is been the size and depth and areas of focus of the development aids in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We started the cooperation in 1982 and after the establishment of embassy in 1992, the programme have been increasing in Nepal. Now a days we are talking about spending 22 million Euros (around NRs 2.6 billion) annually from Finland for the development of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		We are now active in three sectors only according to the rule of European Union. Those three areas are education, sanitation and forestry. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Which are the major INGOs with Finnish origin working on your behalf in Nepal and which are the geographical areas that you are active in?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We are financing 50 NGOs projects in Nepal directly from Finland and in addition to that the embassy is financing 10 projects which are implemented by Nepali NGOs. So it&rsquo;s almost 60 NGO projects going on in Nepal at the moment. Those projects are scattered all over as we try to avoid the concept of being Kathmandu centered as people in need are living in rural areas. Once a year we discuss with Nepali government for the needy projects in Nepal and do according to the discussion.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish people have one of the highest per capita income of almost USD50, 000 per year in the world so there could be a big tourism market in Nepal for Finland. So what can be done and what is being done to promote tourism from Finland in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		There is definitely a lot of interest in visiting Kathmandu and Nepal to the people but on the other hand it is quite a lot of expensive visit to Nepal that limits the travelling to Nepal. So we need to increase the possibilities of visit to Nepal. I think the advertisement of Nepal in Finland should increase so that the people can get knowledge about what Nepal can offer.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After the formation of constitution, what do you think would be the role of European Union for the development of economic situation in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The role of EU will even increase to support the country financially. After the stable political condition in Nepal, other countries also would be interested in providing aid to Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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	<img alt="Nepal Malaysia Relationship" src="/userfiles/images/nepal%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 341px;" /></div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On 3 July, 2013, two teams of Nepali players from Taekwondo and Table Tennis consisting 13 members in total went to Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia to participate in Second South Asian ITF Taekwondo Championship and Seventh Asia-Pacific Veteran&rsquo;s Table Tennis Championship respectively. On the Same day, around half of them were travelling to Malaysia and more than 600 Nepalis were heading there for jobs. Such a growing relation between Malaysia and Nepal in a people to people level has proved that Malaysia has become a preferred destination not only for employment but also for holidays and sports.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia achieved its Independence from Britain in 31 August 1957. The country is a federation of 13 states operating within a constitutional monarchy and the Government comprises the federal, state and local government. The real gross domestic product (GDP) in Malaysia grew by an average of 6.3 % per annum during 1970 to 2012. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, Malaysia emerged from a low-income agricultural and commodity-based economy to a successful middle-income economy over the decades with the help of sustained rapid economic growth. This strong economic performance has helped improve the quality of life for Malaysians and supported widespread advances in education, health, infrastructure, housing and public amenities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the Embassy, the course of Malaysia&rsquo;s development was shaped by the vision, thinking and efforts of many of the country&rsquo;s great leaders and thinkers. Among many visions and policies to the launch of Vision 2020 in 1991, by the then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed outlined the aim of attaining developed nation status by the year 2020. And the country is now at the last phase of its journey towards 2020 target.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Nepal-Malaysia Relations&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The diplomatic relations between Nepal and Malaysia dates back to 1st January, 1960. The 53 years of diplomatic relation between the two countries has been cordial and friendly from the start. In 2003, both the country established their residential missions in the capitals of the other country. Both the countries are members of the United Nations and the Non-aligned Movement. Malaysia recognized Nepal as a source country for foreign workers since the beginning of 2001. Currently around 500,000 Nepalis are believed to be presently working in various sectors in Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia shares its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries through MTCP (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme ). Nepal is currently ranked at 14th among 137 MTCP recipient member countries of Malaysia. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, a total of 525 Nepali participants have attended various courses in agriculture, broadcasting, economic planning, archive, public administration and diplomacy under the programme. In 2008 a total of 239 students were enrolled in Public Higher Education Institutions and Private Higher Education Institutions in 2008, according to International Students Statistics by Minister for Higher Education Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Quick Guidance Malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/qgmalysia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 301px;" />Prospects in Tourism&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The relationship between Nepal and Malaysia could get a height if the tourism sector is linked together. The tourism sector of Malaysia is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The country is also the ninth most-visited country in the world, with 24.7 million tourists visiting the country in 2011. Malaysia is celebrating VMY (Visit Malaysia Year) in 2014 and is expecting to receive 28.8 million in foreign tourist arrivals during VMY 2014. According to holidayhometimes.com, an initiative by TripVillas.com the country has targeted a $ 52.8 billion tourism receipt and 36 million tourist arrivals by 2020.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There are islands and beaches, city excitement, nature and adventure and cultural attractions in Malaysia that lure tourists all around the world. The country has everything for the family,-theme parks, jungle trails, sports, water sports and one of the highest numbers of golf courses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia is also promoting tourism Malaysia My Second Home, Medical Tourism, Education Tourism and Golf Tourism. Malaysia MY Second Home programme under Ministry of Tourism and Culture allows tourists to stay in Malaysia with a multiple entry social visit pass. Similarly, with more than 2000 courses the country is promoting Education Tourism and has been attracting students all over the world. And with well-equipped private hospitals, it is promoting medical tourism since 2009. Malaysia is preferred healthcare travel destination in the Asian region.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The growing number of Tourists from both the countries has been creating aspiration in expanding tourism. According to the data by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 663 Malaysian tourists visited Nepal in May 2012 while the number reached to 1609 in May 2013- a 142.7 per cent growth. Similarly, 7,831 and 11,681 Malaysians visited Nepal in 2011 and 2012 respectively while 2,192 Nepali tourists Nepalis visited Malaysia in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Air Services Agreement between Nepal and Malaysia in 2007 allowed the carriers to operate up to 21 flights a week and direct air connection between the two capitals started in 2003. The presence of Malaysian budget carrier Air Asia X, Malaysian flag-carrier Malaysia Airlines and Nepal&rsquo;s national flag-carrier- Nepal Airlines have played the vital role in arranging daily flights between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Trade and Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Trade between the two countries is limited and is in favor of the Malaysia. Exports from Nepal mainly include paper, tobacco, flour, coffee, tea, mate and spices, electrical machinery and equipment, works of art, collectors` pieces and antiques. The imports from Malaysia include animal or vegetable fats, inorganic and organic chemicals, essential oils, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, plastics, edible vegetables, tubers, edible fruits and nuts.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Export Import malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/exportimport%20form%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 77px;" /></div>
<div>
	According to MoFA, Foreign Direct Investment made by Malaysia in Nepal stands at Rs 245.18 Million in 13 different factories and industries creating 444 job opportunities. Malaysia-Nepal Business Council has already being established and active since 2008. In November 2011, Malaysian and Nepali companies signed six Memorandums of Understanding on education, training, trading and services. The country is also looking into the prospects of investing in the hydropower sector, or any other relevant areas in Nepal. They also negotiated with three Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on investments in manufacturing, tourism and retail marketing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Malaysian Investment" src="/userfiles/images/malysian%20investment.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 80px;" /></div>',
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			'summary' => null,
			'content' => '<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal and Finland established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1974. &nbsp;Bilateral relations between the two countries have been marked by friendship, cordiality and cooperation. The Finnish Embassy was opened in Kathmandu at the Charge d&rsquo; Affaires level in 1992, and was subsequently upgraded with the appointment of its Ambassador in September, 2011. Nepal has no residential Embassy in Helsinki. The Embassy of Nepal in Copenhagen is concurrently accredited to Finland.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Bilateral consultations on development cooperation were held between Nepal&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance and Finland&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003, 2007, 2010 and January 2013 in Kathmandu.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some important bilateral visits of the several high-level visits that have taken place between Nepal and Finland, are:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &lsquo;Prachanda&rsquo; paid an official visit to Finland on April 1-3, 2009 at the friendly invitation of the Prime Minister of Finland Mr. Matti Vanhanen. The then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala visited Finland in March 2010.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish Foreign Trade and Development Minister Mr. Paavo Vayrynen&rsquo;s visited Nepal on 3 February 2009. Ms. Heidi Hautala, Minister for International Development visited Nepal from December 2-6, 2011.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The relations between Finland and Nepal are based on development cooperation. Through its cooperation in development, Finland has been assisting Nepal to reduce poverty, enhance the peace process, root democracy into the society, improve human rights and promote environmentally sustainable development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	By supporting Nepal, Finland aims to contribute to the stability of wider Southern Asia, which is in the interest of Finland&rsquo;s foreign and security policies. Because Nepal has relatively few donors, and this has enabled Finland to contribute in sectors that can provide visibility to its cooperation and good results in sectors that are essential for Nepal&rsquo;s development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finland operates in Nepal&rsquo;s environment and education sectors. These are areas in which Finland has good international reputation, lengthy experience and has been adding significant value.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish cooperation in Nepal began in 1982 with the grant assistance of 6000 MT of chemical fertilizers. Such assistance has increased and widened in recent years. Earlier the Finnish development programme in Nepal was focused on energy, forestry and water resources. In recent days, Finnish development cooperation has shifted attention towards poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and promotion of democracy, human rights and participatory system of governance.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal is one of Finland&rsquo;s eight long-term development partner countries, along with Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya in Africa, Nicaragua in Latin America and Vietnam in Asia. In addition to water and sanitation, education and environment sectors, Finland has supported in Nepal&rsquo;s Peace Trust Fund, OHCHR as well as Nepalese NGOs. Finland provided US$22 million in the Fiscal 2010-2011.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish NGOs&rsquo; projects</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is an important part of Finland&rsquo;s development cooperation. In Nepal, Finland channels currently 25 per cent of development aid through Finnish NGOs. They carry out development projects in Nepal together with their Nepalese partner organizations.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2013 the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is funding about 50 NGO projects which are implemented by 16 Finnish NGOs in Nepal. The combined annual (2013) budget of these projects is around EUR 4.7 million. Refer to table below for more information. In addition, some Finnish foundations, such as Abilis, KIOS and Siemenpuu, are supporting local NGO projects in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Finnish NGos' Projects" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 563px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bilateral development cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland has been providing cooperation in education, water and forestry sectors of Nepal. As a nation which has gained international reputation, lengthy experience in this sector, its contribution has added significant value to give. The cooperation is based on Country Strategy (2013-2016).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in education sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland is funding Nepal&rsquo;s School System Reform Programme (SSRP). The programme&rsquo;s main aim is to make the education system accessible to all Nepalese school-aged children and improve the quality of teaching in grades 1&ndash;8. The programme also aims to increase the number of students as well as the quality of education in grades 9&ndash;12. In 2010 estimated 93.7 % of Nepalese children went to school.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In education sector funds are also allocated to Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme (TVET). The aim is to improve the pupils&rsquo; vocational trainability and capabilities to enter job markets. In the long run the goal is to support the whole vocational training system in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in forestry sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland had a significant role in the development of Nepal&rsquo;s forestry sector in 1980&rsquo;s and 1990&rsquo;s. Now Finland funds Forest Resource Assessment in Nepal (FRAN)&ndash;project which aims at developing a uniform system to collect and share information about forest stock, biomass and biodiversity in Nepal. This makes forest related information more easily available and improves the possibilities to use it in nation-wide decision making process. The project is implemented in 2009&ndash;2014. Cooperation in environmental sector will be closed at the end of 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in industrial sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The area in Dharan-Biratnagar&rsquo;s industrial tunnel is one of Nepal&rsquo;s fastest urbanizing and industrializing areas. Strengthening of Environmental Administration and Management in Nepal (SEAM-N) -Project aims at strengthening the administrator&acute;s and industries&rsquo; capacity to plan, manage and monitor environmental issues and to reduce environmental pollution from different sources in the project area. The project has also been a pilot project for regional administration since its start in 2001. SEAM-N is now in its third and completion phase. It will conclude in 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Trade/Investment</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Trade between Nepal and Finland is sill insignificant, as shown in the table below:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Trade / Investment" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 187px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A MoU between FNCCI and its Finnish counterpart was signed in 1993 during the then Nepalese Prime Minister&rsquo;s Visit to Finland. Similarly, an agreement between Nepal and Finland on Promotion and Protection of Investment was signed l on 3 February 2009.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish firms have some significant investments in Nepal. Department of Industry data reveals that there were 5 joint ventures with the Finnish investment of Rs. 2.5 million until July 2012, which created 149 jobs in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tourism</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though number of Finnish tourist arrival in Nepal at present is not considerable, there is prospect of attracting more Finnish tourists in the future. In 2010 and 2011, Finnish visitors travelling to Nepal stood at 3,284 and 2,276, respectively.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p style="text-align: center;">
		<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>&ldquo;Stable political condition invited financial support to Nepal&rdquo;</strong></span></p>
	<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Asko Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 218px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
					<div align="center">
						<div>
							<strong>Asko Luukkainen</strong></div>
						<div>
							Ambassador of Finland to Nepal</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Before we talk about Nepal-Finland relations, let us first know the secret of Finland having almost USD 50,000 as annual per capita income, and the stable republic democratic status in spite of coalition after every election in Finland. How could you maintain your political and economic stability after a long time?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We got the independence in 1917 and after that we have had the election in every four years for the parliament and the system is working very nicely. I think first of all we have good infrastructure, good governance system, democratic system so that the investors are interested in these kind of countries and that may be the key to success for our economy which is doing quite well. Of course we have difficulties at the moments like the other European countries but basically we are doing quite well. So I think the investors are interested in the countries which are stable and they know what is going to happen in the future.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finland is also called the land of the midnight sun. And also it has 180, 000 or more lakes and 179, 000 islands. So how do you manage to administer such a huge number of islands?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The islands first of all are the part of some municipality so the municipalities take care of the respective islands and the infrastructures or whatever is needed in the islands. We have a very strong local governance system which can manage these things very easily.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Often several organizations connected with global business have found Finland to be very competitive country economically. It is also the land of some leading brands like Nokia. What is the secret behind the stable and competitive nature of economy and also the birth of good brands in Finland?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, it is little bit of mystery to me as well because our salary level is very high so we are not supposed to have a very competitive procession but how the companies take care of the economy and how they take care of their quality production may be the secret behind this success.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have worked in the Finnish Embassy earlier, and now back as a full-Fledged Ambassador. Please tell us what differences did you really find in Nepal&rsquo;s economy, politics and society between your first and second term to Nepal? &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		I arrived for the first time in 1st of August 2000 and then I left in the end of February 2004. &nbsp;At that time situation in Nepal was totally different. Civil war was going on and it was escalating every time during my stay that time. When I came back during this term, political situation is still in the turmoil but at least there is no war so that the biggest change.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nepali Population is not happy with their political parties and the people don&rsquo;t have smiling faces&rdquo;. You had once said it in 2012. What made you to draw this conclusion? Do you subscribe to this view one year later now?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, first of all if I said &ldquo;not smiling face&rdquo; that is not the truth because Nepali have always smiling faces. But during that time, the people were going through a really miserable condition. The people were not being able to work and earn for living. Rampant bandas was disturbing everybody in Nepal. I always speak against bandas as they are always disturbing to the people. Politicians are to take care of the issues of the people but it&rsquo;s the habit of the political parties in Nepal and some other countries to depend upon banda for solving their problems. But that is not the case. It is just disturbing the economy and people are disappointed with such activities.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will the current election augur in the life of the Nepali population and what should be the priorities immediately after the elections?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Election has come up with new possibilities and hopes for the common people. After the CA election now the local elections also should be held. This is very important for the people especially who are living in the poor areas.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>One of the biggest roles that you have been doing in this country is in the development sector. In fact, Nepal is one of your six top development partners, the other five being in Africa. So what is been the size and depth and areas of focus of the development aids in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We started the cooperation in 1982 and after the establishment of embassy in 1992, the programme have been increasing in Nepal. Now a days we are talking about spending 22 million Euros (around NRs 2.6 billion) annually from Finland for the development of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		We are now active in three sectors only according to the rule of European Union. Those three areas are education, sanitation and forestry. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Which are the major INGOs with Finnish origin working on your behalf in Nepal and which are the geographical areas that you are active in?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We are financing 50 NGOs projects in Nepal directly from Finland and in addition to that the embassy is financing 10 projects which are implemented by Nepali NGOs. So it&rsquo;s almost 60 NGO projects going on in Nepal at the moment. Those projects are scattered all over as we try to avoid the concept of being Kathmandu centered as people in need are living in rural areas. Once a year we discuss with Nepali government for the needy projects in Nepal and do according to the discussion.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish people have one of the highest per capita income of almost USD50, 000 per year in the world so there could be a big tourism market in Nepal for Finland. So what can be done and what is being done to promote tourism from Finland in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		There is definitely a lot of interest in visiting Kathmandu and Nepal to the people but on the other hand it is quite a lot of expensive visit to Nepal that limits the travelling to Nepal. So we need to increase the possibilities of visit to Nepal. I think the advertisement of Nepal in Finland should increase so that the people can get knowledge about what Nepal can offer.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After the formation of constitution, what do you think would be the role of European Union for the development of economic situation in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The role of EU will even increase to support the country financially. After the stable political condition in Nepal, other countries also would be interested in providing aid to Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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	<img alt="Nepal Malaysia Relationship" src="/userfiles/images/nepal%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 341px;" /></div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On 3 July, 2013, two teams of Nepali players from Taekwondo and Table Tennis consisting 13 members in total went to Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia to participate in Second South Asian ITF Taekwondo Championship and Seventh Asia-Pacific Veteran&rsquo;s Table Tennis Championship respectively. On the Same day, around half of them were travelling to Malaysia and more than 600 Nepalis were heading there for jobs. Such a growing relation between Malaysia and Nepal in a people to people level has proved that Malaysia has become a preferred destination not only for employment but also for holidays and sports.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia achieved its Independence from Britain in 31 August 1957. The country is a federation of 13 states operating within a constitutional monarchy and the Government comprises the federal, state and local government. The real gross domestic product (GDP) in Malaysia grew by an average of 6.3 % per annum during 1970 to 2012. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, Malaysia emerged from a low-income agricultural and commodity-based economy to a successful middle-income economy over the decades with the help of sustained rapid economic growth. This strong economic performance has helped improve the quality of life for Malaysians and supported widespread advances in education, health, infrastructure, housing and public amenities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the Embassy, the course of Malaysia&rsquo;s development was shaped by the vision, thinking and efforts of many of the country&rsquo;s great leaders and thinkers. Among many visions and policies to the launch of Vision 2020 in 1991, by the then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed outlined the aim of attaining developed nation status by the year 2020. And the country is now at the last phase of its journey towards 2020 target.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Nepal-Malaysia Relations&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The diplomatic relations between Nepal and Malaysia dates back to 1st January, 1960. The 53 years of diplomatic relation between the two countries has been cordial and friendly from the start. In 2003, both the country established their residential missions in the capitals of the other country. Both the countries are members of the United Nations and the Non-aligned Movement. Malaysia recognized Nepal as a source country for foreign workers since the beginning of 2001. Currently around 500,000 Nepalis are believed to be presently working in various sectors in Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia shares its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries through MTCP (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme ). Nepal is currently ranked at 14th among 137 MTCP recipient member countries of Malaysia. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, a total of 525 Nepali participants have attended various courses in agriculture, broadcasting, economic planning, archive, public administration and diplomacy under the programme. In 2008 a total of 239 students were enrolled in Public Higher Education Institutions and Private Higher Education Institutions in 2008, according to International Students Statistics by Minister for Higher Education Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Quick Guidance Malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/qgmalysia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 301px;" />Prospects in Tourism&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The relationship between Nepal and Malaysia could get a height if the tourism sector is linked together. The tourism sector of Malaysia is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The country is also the ninth most-visited country in the world, with 24.7 million tourists visiting the country in 2011. Malaysia is celebrating VMY (Visit Malaysia Year) in 2014 and is expecting to receive 28.8 million in foreign tourist arrivals during VMY 2014. According to holidayhometimes.com, an initiative by TripVillas.com the country has targeted a $ 52.8 billion tourism receipt and 36 million tourist arrivals by 2020.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There are islands and beaches, city excitement, nature and adventure and cultural attractions in Malaysia that lure tourists all around the world. The country has everything for the family,-theme parks, jungle trails, sports, water sports and one of the highest numbers of golf courses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia is also promoting tourism Malaysia My Second Home, Medical Tourism, Education Tourism and Golf Tourism. Malaysia MY Second Home programme under Ministry of Tourism and Culture allows tourists to stay in Malaysia with a multiple entry social visit pass. Similarly, with more than 2000 courses the country is promoting Education Tourism and has been attracting students all over the world. And with well-equipped private hospitals, it is promoting medical tourism since 2009. Malaysia is preferred healthcare travel destination in the Asian region.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The growing number of Tourists from both the countries has been creating aspiration in expanding tourism. According to the data by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 663 Malaysian tourists visited Nepal in May 2012 while the number reached to 1609 in May 2013- a 142.7 per cent growth. Similarly, 7,831 and 11,681 Malaysians visited Nepal in 2011 and 2012 respectively while 2,192 Nepali tourists Nepalis visited Malaysia in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Air Services Agreement between Nepal and Malaysia in 2007 allowed the carriers to operate up to 21 flights a week and direct air connection between the two capitals started in 2003. The presence of Malaysian budget carrier Air Asia X, Malaysian flag-carrier Malaysia Airlines and Nepal&rsquo;s national flag-carrier- Nepal Airlines have played the vital role in arranging daily flights between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Trade and Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Trade between the two countries is limited and is in favor of the Malaysia. Exports from Nepal mainly include paper, tobacco, flour, coffee, tea, mate and spices, electrical machinery and equipment, works of art, collectors` pieces and antiques. The imports from Malaysia include animal or vegetable fats, inorganic and organic chemicals, essential oils, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, plastics, edible vegetables, tubers, edible fruits and nuts.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Export Import malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/exportimport%20form%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 77px;" /></div>
<div>
	According to MoFA, Foreign Direct Investment made by Malaysia in Nepal stands at Rs 245.18 Million in 13 different factories and industries creating 444 job opportunities. Malaysia-Nepal Business Council has already being established and active since 2008. In November 2011, Malaysian and Nepali companies signed six Memorandums of Understanding on education, training, trading and services. The country is also looking into the prospects of investing in the hydropower sector, or any other relevant areas in Nepal. They also negotiated with three Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on investments in manufacturing, tourism and retail marketing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Malaysian Investment" src="/userfiles/images/malysian%20investment.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 80px;" /></div>',
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	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal and Finland established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1974. &nbsp;Bilateral relations between the two countries have been marked by friendship, cordiality and cooperation. The Finnish Embassy was opened in Kathmandu at the Charge d&rsquo; Affaires level in 1992, and was subsequently upgraded with the appointment of its Ambassador in September, 2011. Nepal has no residential Embassy in Helsinki. The Embassy of Nepal in Copenhagen is concurrently accredited to Finland.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Bilateral consultations on development cooperation were held between Nepal&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance and Finland&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003, 2007, 2010 and January 2013 in Kathmandu.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some important bilateral visits of the several high-level visits that have taken place between Nepal and Finland, are:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &lsquo;Prachanda&rsquo; paid an official visit to Finland on April 1-3, 2009 at the friendly invitation of the Prime Minister of Finland Mr. Matti Vanhanen. The then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala visited Finland in March 2010.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish Foreign Trade and Development Minister Mr. Paavo Vayrynen&rsquo;s visited Nepal on 3 February 2009. Ms. Heidi Hautala, Minister for International Development visited Nepal from December 2-6, 2011.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The relations between Finland and Nepal are based on development cooperation. Through its cooperation in development, Finland has been assisting Nepal to reduce poverty, enhance the peace process, root democracy into the society, improve human rights and promote environmentally sustainable development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	By supporting Nepal, Finland aims to contribute to the stability of wider Southern Asia, which is in the interest of Finland&rsquo;s foreign and security policies. Because Nepal has relatively few donors, and this has enabled Finland to contribute in sectors that can provide visibility to its cooperation and good results in sectors that are essential for Nepal&rsquo;s development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finland operates in Nepal&rsquo;s environment and education sectors. These are areas in which Finland has good international reputation, lengthy experience and has been adding significant value.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish cooperation in Nepal began in 1982 with the grant assistance of 6000 MT of chemical fertilizers. Such assistance has increased and widened in recent years. Earlier the Finnish development programme in Nepal was focused on energy, forestry and water resources. In recent days, Finnish development cooperation has shifted attention towards poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and promotion of democracy, human rights and participatory system of governance.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal is one of Finland&rsquo;s eight long-term development partner countries, along with Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya in Africa, Nicaragua in Latin America and Vietnam in Asia. In addition to water and sanitation, education and environment sectors, Finland has supported in Nepal&rsquo;s Peace Trust Fund, OHCHR as well as Nepalese NGOs. Finland provided US$22 million in the Fiscal 2010-2011.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish NGOs&rsquo; projects</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is an important part of Finland&rsquo;s development cooperation. In Nepal, Finland channels currently 25 per cent of development aid through Finnish NGOs. They carry out development projects in Nepal together with their Nepalese partner organizations.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2013 the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is funding about 50 NGO projects which are implemented by 16 Finnish NGOs in Nepal. The combined annual (2013) budget of these projects is around EUR 4.7 million. Refer to table below for more information. In addition, some Finnish foundations, such as Abilis, KIOS and Siemenpuu, are supporting local NGO projects in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Finnish NGos' Projects" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 563px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bilateral development cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland has been providing cooperation in education, water and forestry sectors of Nepal. As a nation which has gained international reputation, lengthy experience in this sector, its contribution has added significant value to give. The cooperation is based on Country Strategy (2013-2016).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in education sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland is funding Nepal&rsquo;s School System Reform Programme (SSRP). The programme&rsquo;s main aim is to make the education system accessible to all Nepalese school-aged children and improve the quality of teaching in grades 1&ndash;8. The programme also aims to increase the number of students as well as the quality of education in grades 9&ndash;12. In 2010 estimated 93.7 % of Nepalese children went to school.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In education sector funds are also allocated to Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme (TVET). The aim is to improve the pupils&rsquo; vocational trainability and capabilities to enter job markets. In the long run the goal is to support the whole vocational training system in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in forestry sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland had a significant role in the development of Nepal&rsquo;s forestry sector in 1980&rsquo;s and 1990&rsquo;s. Now Finland funds Forest Resource Assessment in Nepal (FRAN)&ndash;project which aims at developing a uniform system to collect and share information about forest stock, biomass and biodiversity in Nepal. This makes forest related information more easily available and improves the possibilities to use it in nation-wide decision making process. The project is implemented in 2009&ndash;2014. Cooperation in environmental sector will be closed at the end of 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in industrial sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The area in Dharan-Biratnagar&rsquo;s industrial tunnel is one of Nepal&rsquo;s fastest urbanizing and industrializing areas. Strengthening of Environmental Administration and Management in Nepal (SEAM-N) -Project aims at strengthening the administrator&acute;s and industries&rsquo; capacity to plan, manage and monitor environmental issues and to reduce environmental pollution from different sources in the project area. The project has also been a pilot project for regional administration since its start in 2001. SEAM-N is now in its third and completion phase. It will conclude in 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Trade/Investment</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Trade between Nepal and Finland is sill insignificant, as shown in the table below:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Trade / Investment" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 187px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A MoU between FNCCI and its Finnish counterpart was signed in 1993 during the then Nepalese Prime Minister&rsquo;s Visit to Finland. Similarly, an agreement between Nepal and Finland on Promotion and Protection of Investment was signed l on 3 February 2009.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish firms have some significant investments in Nepal. Department of Industry data reveals that there were 5 joint ventures with the Finnish investment of Rs. 2.5 million until July 2012, which created 149 jobs in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tourism</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though number of Finnish tourist arrival in Nepal at present is not considerable, there is prospect of attracting more Finnish tourists in the future. In 2010 and 2011, Finnish visitors travelling to Nepal stood at 3,284 and 2,276, respectively.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p style="text-align: center;">
		<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>&ldquo;Stable political condition invited financial support to Nepal&rdquo;</strong></span></p>
	<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Asko Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 218px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
					<div align="center">
						<div>
							<strong>Asko Luukkainen</strong></div>
						<div>
							Ambassador of Finland to Nepal</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Before we talk about Nepal-Finland relations, let us first know the secret of Finland having almost USD 50,000 as annual per capita income, and the stable republic democratic status in spite of coalition after every election in Finland. How could you maintain your political and economic stability after a long time?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We got the independence in 1917 and after that we have had the election in every four years for the parliament and the system is working very nicely. I think first of all we have good infrastructure, good governance system, democratic system so that the investors are interested in these kind of countries and that may be the key to success for our economy which is doing quite well. Of course we have difficulties at the moments like the other European countries but basically we are doing quite well. So I think the investors are interested in the countries which are stable and they know what is going to happen in the future.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finland is also called the land of the midnight sun. And also it has 180, 000 or more lakes and 179, 000 islands. So how do you manage to administer such a huge number of islands?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The islands first of all are the part of some municipality so the municipalities take care of the respective islands and the infrastructures or whatever is needed in the islands. We have a very strong local governance system which can manage these things very easily.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Often several organizations connected with global business have found Finland to be very competitive country economically. It is also the land of some leading brands like Nokia. What is the secret behind the stable and competitive nature of economy and also the birth of good brands in Finland?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, it is little bit of mystery to me as well because our salary level is very high so we are not supposed to have a very competitive procession but how the companies take care of the economy and how they take care of their quality production may be the secret behind this success.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have worked in the Finnish Embassy earlier, and now back as a full-Fledged Ambassador. Please tell us what differences did you really find in Nepal&rsquo;s economy, politics and society between your first and second term to Nepal? &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		I arrived for the first time in 1st of August 2000 and then I left in the end of February 2004. &nbsp;At that time situation in Nepal was totally different. Civil war was going on and it was escalating every time during my stay that time. When I came back during this term, political situation is still in the turmoil but at least there is no war so that the biggest change.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nepali Population is not happy with their political parties and the people don&rsquo;t have smiling faces&rdquo;. You had once said it in 2012. What made you to draw this conclusion? Do you subscribe to this view one year later now?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, first of all if I said &ldquo;not smiling face&rdquo; that is not the truth because Nepali have always smiling faces. But during that time, the people were going through a really miserable condition. The people were not being able to work and earn for living. Rampant bandas was disturbing everybody in Nepal. I always speak against bandas as they are always disturbing to the people. Politicians are to take care of the issues of the people but it&rsquo;s the habit of the political parties in Nepal and some other countries to depend upon banda for solving their problems. But that is not the case. It is just disturbing the economy and people are disappointed with such activities.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will the current election augur in the life of the Nepali population and what should be the priorities immediately after the elections?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Election has come up with new possibilities and hopes for the common people. After the CA election now the local elections also should be held. This is very important for the people especially who are living in the poor areas.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>One of the biggest roles that you have been doing in this country is in the development sector. In fact, Nepal is one of your six top development partners, the other five being in Africa. So what is been the size and depth and areas of focus of the development aids in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We started the cooperation in 1982 and after the establishment of embassy in 1992, the programme have been increasing in Nepal. Now a days we are talking about spending 22 million Euros (around NRs 2.6 billion) annually from Finland for the development of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		We are now active in three sectors only according to the rule of European Union. Those three areas are education, sanitation and forestry. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Which are the major INGOs with Finnish origin working on your behalf in Nepal and which are the geographical areas that you are active in?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We are financing 50 NGOs projects in Nepal directly from Finland and in addition to that the embassy is financing 10 projects which are implemented by Nepali NGOs. So it&rsquo;s almost 60 NGO projects going on in Nepal at the moment. Those projects are scattered all over as we try to avoid the concept of being Kathmandu centered as people in need are living in rural areas. Once a year we discuss with Nepali government for the needy projects in Nepal and do according to the discussion.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish people have one of the highest per capita income of almost USD50, 000 per year in the world so there could be a big tourism market in Nepal for Finland. So what can be done and what is being done to promote tourism from Finland in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		There is definitely a lot of interest in visiting Kathmandu and Nepal to the people but on the other hand it is quite a lot of expensive visit to Nepal that limits the travelling to Nepal. So we need to increase the possibilities of visit to Nepal. I think the advertisement of Nepal in Finland should increase so that the people can get knowledge about what Nepal can offer.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After the formation of constitution, what do you think would be the role of European Union for the development of economic situation in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The role of EU will even increase to support the country financially. After the stable political condition in Nepal, other countries also would be interested in providing aid to Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'article_category_id' => '171',
			'title' => 'Malaysia: Expanding Relations With Nepal',
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	<img alt="Nepal Malaysia Relationship" src="/userfiles/images/nepal%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 341px;" /></div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On 3 July, 2013, two teams of Nepali players from Taekwondo and Table Tennis consisting 13 members in total went to Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia to participate in Second South Asian ITF Taekwondo Championship and Seventh Asia-Pacific Veteran&rsquo;s Table Tennis Championship respectively. On the Same day, around half of them were travelling to Malaysia and more than 600 Nepalis were heading there for jobs. Such a growing relation between Malaysia and Nepal in a people to people level has proved that Malaysia has become a preferred destination not only for employment but also for holidays and sports.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia achieved its Independence from Britain in 31 August 1957. The country is a federation of 13 states operating within a constitutional monarchy and the Government comprises the federal, state and local government. The real gross domestic product (GDP) in Malaysia grew by an average of 6.3 % per annum during 1970 to 2012. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, Malaysia emerged from a low-income agricultural and commodity-based economy to a successful middle-income economy over the decades with the help of sustained rapid economic growth. This strong economic performance has helped improve the quality of life for Malaysians and supported widespread advances in education, health, infrastructure, housing and public amenities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the Embassy, the course of Malaysia&rsquo;s development was shaped by the vision, thinking and efforts of many of the country&rsquo;s great leaders and thinkers. Among many visions and policies to the launch of Vision 2020 in 1991, by the then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed outlined the aim of attaining developed nation status by the year 2020. And the country is now at the last phase of its journey towards 2020 target.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Nepal-Malaysia Relations&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The diplomatic relations between Nepal and Malaysia dates back to 1st January, 1960. The 53 years of diplomatic relation between the two countries has been cordial and friendly from the start. In 2003, both the country established their residential missions in the capitals of the other country. Both the countries are members of the United Nations and the Non-aligned Movement. Malaysia recognized Nepal as a source country for foreign workers since the beginning of 2001. Currently around 500,000 Nepalis are believed to be presently working in various sectors in Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia shares its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries through MTCP (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme ). Nepal is currently ranked at 14th among 137 MTCP recipient member countries of Malaysia. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, a total of 525 Nepali participants have attended various courses in agriculture, broadcasting, economic planning, archive, public administration and diplomacy under the programme. In 2008 a total of 239 students were enrolled in Public Higher Education Institutions and Private Higher Education Institutions in 2008, according to International Students Statistics by Minister for Higher Education Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Quick Guidance Malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/qgmalysia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 301px;" />Prospects in Tourism&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The relationship between Nepal and Malaysia could get a height if the tourism sector is linked together. The tourism sector of Malaysia is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The country is also the ninth most-visited country in the world, with 24.7 million tourists visiting the country in 2011. Malaysia is celebrating VMY (Visit Malaysia Year) in 2014 and is expecting to receive 28.8 million in foreign tourist arrivals during VMY 2014. According to holidayhometimes.com, an initiative by TripVillas.com the country has targeted a $ 52.8 billion tourism receipt and 36 million tourist arrivals by 2020.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There are islands and beaches, city excitement, nature and adventure and cultural attractions in Malaysia that lure tourists all around the world. The country has everything for the family,-theme parks, jungle trails, sports, water sports and one of the highest numbers of golf courses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia is also promoting tourism Malaysia My Second Home, Medical Tourism, Education Tourism and Golf Tourism. Malaysia MY Second Home programme under Ministry of Tourism and Culture allows tourists to stay in Malaysia with a multiple entry social visit pass. Similarly, with more than 2000 courses the country is promoting Education Tourism and has been attracting students all over the world. And with well-equipped private hospitals, it is promoting medical tourism since 2009. Malaysia is preferred healthcare travel destination in the Asian region.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The growing number of Tourists from both the countries has been creating aspiration in expanding tourism. According to the data by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 663 Malaysian tourists visited Nepal in May 2012 while the number reached to 1609 in May 2013- a 142.7 per cent growth. Similarly, 7,831 and 11,681 Malaysians visited Nepal in 2011 and 2012 respectively while 2,192 Nepali tourists Nepalis visited Malaysia in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Air Services Agreement between Nepal and Malaysia in 2007 allowed the carriers to operate up to 21 flights a week and direct air connection between the two capitals started in 2003. The presence of Malaysian budget carrier Air Asia X, Malaysian flag-carrier Malaysia Airlines and Nepal&rsquo;s national flag-carrier- Nepal Airlines have played the vital role in arranging daily flights between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Trade and Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Trade between the two countries is limited and is in favor of the Malaysia. Exports from Nepal mainly include paper, tobacco, flour, coffee, tea, mate and spices, electrical machinery and equipment, works of art, collectors` pieces and antiques. The imports from Malaysia include animal or vegetable fats, inorganic and organic chemicals, essential oils, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, plastics, edible vegetables, tubers, edible fruits and nuts.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Export Import malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/exportimport%20form%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 77px;" /></div>
<div>
	According to MoFA, Foreign Direct Investment made by Malaysia in Nepal stands at Rs 245.18 Million in 13 different factories and industries creating 444 job opportunities. Malaysia-Nepal Business Council has already being established and active since 2008. In November 2011, Malaysian and Nepali companies signed six Memorandums of Understanding on education, training, trading and services. The country is also looking into the prospects of investing in the hydropower sector, or any other relevant areas in Nepal. They also negotiated with three Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on investments in manufacturing, tourism and retail marketing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Malaysian Investment" src="/userfiles/images/malysian%20investment.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 80px;" /></div>',
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	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Suraksha Adhikari</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal and Finland established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1974. &nbsp;Bilateral relations between the two countries have been marked by friendship, cordiality and cooperation. The Finnish Embassy was opened in Kathmandu at the Charge d&rsquo; Affaires level in 1992, and was subsequently upgraded with the appointment of its Ambassador in September, 2011. Nepal has no residential Embassy in Helsinki. The Embassy of Nepal in Copenhagen is concurrently accredited to Finland.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Bilateral consultations on development cooperation were held between Nepal&rsquo;s Ministry of Finance and Finland&rsquo;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2003, 2007, 2010 and January 2013 in Kathmandu.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Exchange of Visits</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Some important bilateral visits of the several high-level visits that have taken place between Nepal and Finland, are:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal &lsquo;Prachanda&rsquo; paid an official visit to Finland on April 1-3, 2009 at the friendly invitation of the Prime Minister of Finland Mr. Matti Vanhanen. The then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sujata Koirala visited Finland in March 2010.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish Foreign Trade and Development Minister Mr. Paavo Vayrynen&rsquo;s visited Nepal on 3 February 2009. Ms. Heidi Hautala, Minister for International Development visited Nepal from December 2-6, 2011.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The relations between Finland and Nepal are based on development cooperation. Through its cooperation in development, Finland has been assisting Nepal to reduce poverty, enhance the peace process, root democracy into the society, improve human rights and promote environmentally sustainable development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	By supporting Nepal, Finland aims to contribute to the stability of wider Southern Asia, which is in the interest of Finland&rsquo;s foreign and security policies. Because Nepal has relatively few donors, and this has enabled Finland to contribute in sectors that can provide visibility to its cooperation and good results in sectors that are essential for Nepal&rsquo;s development.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finland operates in Nepal&rsquo;s environment and education sectors. These are areas in which Finland has good international reputation, lengthy experience and has been adding significant value.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish cooperation in Nepal began in 1982 with the grant assistance of 6000 MT of chemical fertilizers. Such assistance has increased and widened in recent years. Earlier the Finnish development programme in Nepal was focused on energy, forestry and water resources. In recent days, Finnish development cooperation has shifted attention towards poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and promotion of democracy, human rights and participatory system of governance.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Nepal is one of Finland&rsquo;s eight long-term development partner countries, along with Mozambique, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zambia and Kenya in Africa, Nicaragua in Latin America and Vietnam in Asia. In addition to water and sanitation, education and environment sectors, Finland has supported in Nepal&rsquo;s Peace Trust Fund, OHCHR as well as Nepalese NGOs. Finland provided US$22 million in the Fiscal 2010-2011.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish NGOs&rsquo; projects</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is an important part of Finland&rsquo;s development cooperation. In Nepal, Finland channels currently 25 per cent of development aid through Finnish NGOs. They carry out development projects in Nepal together with their Nepalese partner organizations.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In 2013 the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is funding about 50 NGO projects which are implemented by 16 Finnish NGOs in Nepal. The combined annual (2013) budget of these projects is around EUR 4.7 million. Refer to table below for more information. In addition, some Finnish foundations, such as Abilis, KIOS and Siemenpuu, are supporting local NGO projects in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Finnish NGos' Projects" src="/userfiles/images/br2%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 563px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Bilateral development cooperation</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland has been providing cooperation in education, water and forestry sectors of Nepal. As a nation which has gained international reputation, lengthy experience in this sector, its contribution has added significant value to give. The cooperation is based on Country Strategy (2013-2016).</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in education sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland is funding Nepal&rsquo;s School System Reform Programme (SSRP). The programme&rsquo;s main aim is to make the education system accessible to all Nepalese school-aged children and improve the quality of teaching in grades 1&ndash;8. The programme also aims to increase the number of students as well as the quality of education in grades 9&ndash;12. In 2010 estimated 93.7 % of Nepalese children went to school.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	In education sector funds are also allocated to Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme (TVET). The aim is to improve the pupils&rsquo; vocational trainability and capabilities to enter job markets. In the long run the goal is to support the whole vocational training system in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in forestry sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Finland had a significant role in the development of Nepal&rsquo;s forestry sector in 1980&rsquo;s and 1990&rsquo;s. Now Finland funds Forest Resource Assessment in Nepal (FRAN)&ndash;project which aims at developing a uniform system to collect and share information about forest stock, biomass and biodiversity in Nepal. This makes forest related information more easily available and improves the possibilities to use it in nation-wide decision making process. The project is implemented in 2009&ndash;2014. Cooperation in environmental sector will be closed at the end of 2014.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Cooperation in industrial sector</strong></span></div>
<div>
	The area in Dharan-Biratnagar&rsquo;s industrial tunnel is one of Nepal&rsquo;s fastest urbanizing and industrializing areas. Strengthening of Environmental Administration and Management in Nepal (SEAM-N) -Project aims at strengthening the administrator&acute;s and industries&rsquo; capacity to plan, manage and monitor environmental issues and to reduce environmental pollution from different sources in the project area. The project has also been a pilot project for regional administration since its start in 2001. SEAM-N is now in its third and completion phase. It will conclude in 2014.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Trade/Investment</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Trade between Nepal and Finland is sill insignificant, as shown in the table below:</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Trade / Investment" src="/userfiles/images/br3%20(Copy)(2).jpg" style="width: 550px; height: 187px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" /></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	A MoU between FNCCI and its Finnish counterpart was signed in 1993 during the then Nepalese Prime Minister&rsquo;s Visit to Finland. Similarly, an agreement between Nepal and Finland on Promotion and Protection of Investment was signed l on 3 February 2009.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Finnish firms have some significant investments in Nepal. Department of Industry data reveals that there were 5 joint ventures with the Finnish investment of Rs. 2.5 million until July 2012, which created 149 jobs in Nepal.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Tourism</strong></span></div>
<div>
	Though number of Finnish tourist arrival in Nepal at present is not considerable, there is prospect of attracting more Finnish tourists in the future. In 2010 and 2011, Finnish visitors travelling to Nepal stood at 3,284 and 2,276, respectively.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<hr />
	<p style="text-align: center;">
		<span style="font-size:16px;"><strong>&ldquo;Stable political condition invited financial support to Nepal&rdquo;</strong></span></p>
	<table align="right" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;" width="25">
		<tbody>
			<tr>
				<td>
					<img alt="Asko Luukkainen, Ambassador of Finland to Nepal" src="/userfiles/images/br1%20(Copy)(4).jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; width: 200px; height: 218px;" /></td>
			</tr>
			<tr>
				<td bgcolor="#DDDDDD">
					<div align="center">
						<div>
							<strong>Asko Luukkainen</strong></div>
						<div>
							Ambassador of Finland to Nepal</div>
					</div>
				</td>
			</tr>
		</tbody>
	</table>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Before we talk about Nepal-Finland relations, let us first know the secret of Finland having almost USD 50,000 as annual per capita income, and the stable republic democratic status in spite of coalition after every election in Finland. How could you maintain your political and economic stability after a long time?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We got the independence in 1917 and after that we have had the election in every four years for the parliament and the system is working very nicely. I think first of all we have good infrastructure, good governance system, democratic system so that the investors are interested in these kind of countries and that may be the key to success for our economy which is doing quite well. Of course we have difficulties at the moments like the other European countries but basically we are doing quite well. So I think the investors are interested in the countries which are stable and they know what is going to happen in the future.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finland is also called the land of the midnight sun. And also it has 180, 000 or more lakes and 179, 000 islands. So how do you manage to administer such a huge number of islands?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The islands first of all are the part of some municipality so the municipalities take care of the respective islands and the infrastructures or whatever is needed in the islands. We have a very strong local governance system which can manage these things very easily.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Often several organizations connected with global business have found Finland to be very competitive country economically. It is also the land of some leading brands like Nokia. What is the secret behind the stable and competitive nature of economy and also the birth of good brands in Finland?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, it is little bit of mystery to me as well because our salary level is very high so we are not supposed to have a very competitive procession but how the companies take care of the economy and how they take care of their quality production may be the secret behind this success.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>You have worked in the Finnish Embassy earlier, and now back as a full-Fledged Ambassador. Please tell us what differences did you really find in Nepal&rsquo;s economy, politics and society between your first and second term to Nepal? &nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		I arrived for the first time in 1st of August 2000 and then I left in the end of February 2004. &nbsp;At that time situation in Nepal was totally different. Civil war was going on and it was escalating every time during my stay that time. When I came back during this term, political situation is still in the turmoil but at least there is no war so that the biggest change.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>&ldquo;Nepali Population is not happy with their political parties and the people don&rsquo;t have smiling faces&rdquo;. You had once said it in 2012. What made you to draw this conclusion? Do you subscribe to this view one year later now?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Well, first of all if I said &ldquo;not smiling face&rdquo; that is not the truth because Nepali have always smiling faces. But during that time, the people were going through a really miserable condition. The people were not being able to work and earn for living. Rampant bandas was disturbing everybody in Nepal. I always speak against bandas as they are always disturbing to the people. Politicians are to take care of the issues of the people but it&rsquo;s the habit of the political parties in Nepal and some other countries to depend upon banda for solving their problems. But that is not the case. It is just disturbing the economy and people are disappointed with such activities.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>How will the current election augur in the life of the Nepali population and what should be the priorities immediately after the elections?&nbsp;</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		Election has come up with new possibilities and hopes for the common people. After the CA election now the local elections also should be held. This is very important for the people especially who are living in the poor areas.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>One of the biggest roles that you have been doing in this country is in the development sector. In fact, Nepal is one of your six top development partners, the other five being in Africa. So what is been the size and depth and areas of focus of the development aids in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We started the cooperation in 1982 and after the establishment of embassy in 1992, the programme have been increasing in Nepal. Now a days we are talking about spending 22 million Euros (around NRs 2.6 billion) annually from Finland for the development of Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		We are now active in three sectors only according to the rule of European Union. Those three areas are education, sanitation and forestry. &nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Which are the major INGOs with Finnish origin working on your behalf in Nepal and which are the geographical areas that you are active in?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		We are financing 50 NGOs projects in Nepal directly from Finland and in addition to that the embassy is financing 10 projects which are implemented by Nepali NGOs. So it&rsquo;s almost 60 NGO projects going on in Nepal at the moment. Those projects are scattered all over as we try to avoid the concept of being Kathmandu centered as people in need are living in rural areas. Once a year we discuss with Nepali government for the needy projects in Nepal and do according to the discussion.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>Finnish people have one of the highest per capita income of almost USD50, 000 per year in the world so there could be a big tourism market in Nepal for Finland. So what can be done and what is being done to promote tourism from Finland in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		There is definitely a lot of interest in visiting Kathmandu and Nepal to the people but on the other hand it is quite a lot of expensive visit to Nepal that limits the travelling to Nepal. So we need to increase the possibilities of visit to Nepal. I think the advertisement of Nepal in Finland should increase so that the people can get knowledge about what Nepal can offer.&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		&nbsp;</div>
	<div>
		<span style="font-size: 14px;"><strong>After the formation of constitution, what do you think would be the role of European Union for the development of economic situation in Nepal?</strong></span></div>
	<div>
		The role of EU will even increase to support the country financially. After the stable political condition in Nepal, other countries also would be interested in providing aid to Nepal.&nbsp;</div>
</div>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>',
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			'description' => 'Nepal and Finland established diplomatic relations on 21 September 1974.  Bilateral relations between the two countries have been marked by friendship, cordiality and cooperation. The Finnish Embassy was opened in Kathmandu at the Charge d’ Affaires level in 1992, and was subsequently upgraded with the appointment of its Ambassador in September, 2011. Nepal has no residential Embassy in Helsinki. The Embassy of Nepal in Copenhagen is concurrently accredited to Finland.',
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			'id' => '1712',
			'article_category_id' => '171',
			'title' => 'Malaysia: Expanding Relations With Nepal',
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	<img alt="Nepal Malaysia Relationship" src="/userfiles/images/nepal%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 341px;" /></div>
<div>
	<strong>--By Sushila Budhathoki</strong></div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	On 3 July, 2013, two teams of Nepali players from Taekwondo and Table Tennis consisting 13 members in total went to Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia to participate in Second South Asian ITF Taekwondo Championship and Seventh Asia-Pacific Veteran&rsquo;s Table Tennis Championship respectively. On the Same day, around half of them were travelling to Malaysia and more than 600 Nepalis were heading there for jobs. Such a growing relation between Malaysia and Nepal in a people to people level has proved that Malaysia has become a preferred destination not only for employment but also for holidays and sports.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia achieved its Independence from Britain in 31 August 1957. The country is a federation of 13 states operating within a constitutional monarchy and the Government comprises the federal, state and local government. The real gross domestic product (GDP) in Malaysia grew by an average of 6.3 % per annum during 1970 to 2012. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, Malaysia emerged from a low-income agricultural and commodity-based economy to a successful middle-income economy over the decades with the help of sustained rapid economic growth. This strong economic performance has helped improve the quality of life for Malaysians and supported widespread advances in education, health, infrastructure, housing and public amenities.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	According to the Embassy, the course of Malaysia&rsquo;s development was shaped by the vision, thinking and efforts of many of the country&rsquo;s great leaders and thinkers. Among many visions and policies to the launch of Vision 2020 in 1991, by the then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamed outlined the aim of attaining developed nation status by the year 2020. And the country is now at the last phase of its journey towards 2020 target.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Nepal-Malaysia Relations&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The diplomatic relations between Nepal and Malaysia dates back to 1st January, 1960. The 53 years of diplomatic relation between the two countries has been cordial and friendly from the start. In 2003, both the country established their residential missions in the capitals of the other country. Both the countries are members of the United Nations and the Non-aligned Movement. Malaysia recognized Nepal as a source country for foreign workers since the beginning of 2001. Currently around 500,000 Nepalis are believed to be presently working in various sectors in Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia shares its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries through MTCP (Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme ). Nepal is currently ranked at 14th among 137 MTCP recipient member countries of Malaysia. According to Malaysian Embassy in Nepal, a total of 525 Nepali participants have attended various courses in agriculture, broadcasting, economic planning, archive, public administration and diplomacy under the programme. In 2008 a total of 239 students were enrolled in Public Higher Education Institutions and Private Higher Education Institutions in 2008, according to International Students Statistics by Minister for Higher Education Malaysia.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"><img alt="Quick Guidance Malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/qgmalysia.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0px 10px 0px 0px; width: 300px; height: 301px;" />Prospects in Tourism&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	The relationship between Nepal and Malaysia could get a height if the tourism sector is linked together. The tourism sector of Malaysia is the third largest foreign exchange earner of the country.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The country is also the ninth most-visited country in the world, with 24.7 million tourists visiting the country in 2011. Malaysia is celebrating VMY (Visit Malaysia Year) in 2014 and is expecting to receive 28.8 million in foreign tourist arrivals during VMY 2014. According to holidayhometimes.com, an initiative by TripVillas.com the country has targeted a $ 52.8 billion tourism receipt and 36 million tourist arrivals by 2020.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	There are islands and beaches, city excitement, nature and adventure and cultural attractions in Malaysia that lure tourists all around the world. The country has everything for the family,-theme parks, jungle trails, sports, water sports and one of the highest numbers of golf courses.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	Malaysia is also promoting tourism Malaysia My Second Home, Medical Tourism, Education Tourism and Golf Tourism. Malaysia MY Second Home programme under Ministry of Tourism and Culture allows tourists to stay in Malaysia with a multiple entry social visit pass. Similarly, with more than 2000 courses the country is promoting Education Tourism and has been attracting students all over the world. And with well-equipped private hospitals, it is promoting medical tourism since 2009. Malaysia is preferred healthcare travel destination in the Asian region.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The growing number of Tourists from both the countries has been creating aspiration in expanding tourism. According to the data by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 663 Malaysian tourists visited Nepal in May 2012 while the number reached to 1609 in May 2013- a 142.7 per cent growth. Similarly, 7,831 and 11,681 Malaysians visited Nepal in 2011 and 2012 respectively while 2,192 Nepali tourists Nepalis visited Malaysia in 2012.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	The Air Services Agreement between Nepal and Malaysia in 2007 allowed the carriers to operate up to 21 flights a week and direct air connection between the two capitals started in 2003. The presence of Malaysian budget carrier Air Asia X, Malaysian flag-carrier Malaysia Airlines and Nepal&rsquo;s national flag-carrier- Nepal Airlines have played the vital role in arranging daily flights between Kathmandu and Kuala Lumpur.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<strong><span style="font-size: 14px;">Trade and Investment&nbsp;</span></strong></div>
<div>
	Trade between the two countries is limited and is in favor of the Malaysia. Exports from Nepal mainly include paper, tobacco, flour, coffee, tea, mate and spices, electrical machinery and equipment, works of art, collectors` pieces and antiques. The imports from Malaysia include animal or vegetable fats, inorganic and organic chemicals, essential oils, perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations, plastics, edible vegetables, tubers, edible fruits and nuts.&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Export Import malaysia" src="/userfiles/images/exportimport%20form%20malaysia.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 77px;" /></div>
<div>
	According to MoFA, Foreign Direct Investment made by Malaysia in Nepal stands at Rs 245.18 Million in 13 different factories and industries creating 444 job opportunities. Malaysia-Nepal Business Council has already being established and active since 2008. In November 2011, Malaysian and Nepali companies signed six Memorandums of Understanding on education, training, trading and services. The country is also looking into the prospects of investing in the hydropower sector, or any other relevant areas in Nepal. They also negotiated with three Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on investments in manufacturing, tourism and retail marketing.</div>
<div>
	&nbsp;</div>
<div>
	<img alt="Malaysian Investment" src="/userfiles/images/malysian%20investment.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 80px;" /></div>',
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