Minister Khanal calls for shifting Nepal–US relations toward investment, technology, and green energy

​KATHMANDU, Aug 25 — Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has advocated for transforming Nepal–United States relations beyond traditional development assistance, urging a strategic pivot toward foreign direct investment, trade, digital technology, and green energy.

​Addressing a seminar organized by theCentre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF) to mark the 250th anniversary of US Independence, Minister Khanal highlighted that as Nepal prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status, bilateral ties must transition from aid dependency to a dynamic economic partnership.

​Foreign Minister Khanal outlined three primary strategic focus areas for future economic cooperation:

​Connecting Nepal’s skilled youth and IT talent with American venture capital and innovation ecosystems to advance digital transformation.

​Expanding joint initiatives in sustainable hydropower, cross-border power transmission, and the protection of Himalayan ecosystems.

​Mobilizing the knowledge, skills, and capital of the Nepali diaspora in the US to drive technology transfer and commercial ventures.

​Noting that both nations will mark 80 years of diplomatic relations next year, Foreign Minister Khanal recalled milestones in US support, including early malaria control programs, the Peace Corps, Fulbright exchanges, post-earthquake reconstruction, and high-impact infrastructure investments.

​Reflecting on democratic governance, Foreign Minister Khanal observed that both American constitutionalism and historic Nepali statecraft emphasize institutional discipline, public service, and moral restraint. He stressed that sustaining public faith in democracy requires converting political freedoms into economic dignity and equal opportunity for all citizens.