Finance Minister Wagle Assures Diaspora: “Once a Nepali, Always a Nepali”

Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has urged Nepalis living abroad to remain confident in the government’s commitment to the principle “Once a Nepali, always a Nepali.”

Addressing a virtual conference organised by young Nepali entrepreneurs in Australia on Saturday, Wagle said the government and the ruling party were firmly committed to maintaining strong ties with the global Nepali community.

“We are clear about our belief that once a Nepali, always a Nepali. Be assured, once a Nepali, always a Nepali,” he said.

Diaspora Described As Nepal’s Goodwill Ambassadors

Wagle described Nepalis living abroad as goodwill ambassadors who can support Nepal through investment, knowledge, technology and international connections.

He said the diaspora’s contribution should extend beyond remittances and include active participation in business, innovation and national development.

The government has also formally included the “Once a Nepali, always a Nepali” principle in its latest budget, promising reforms related to non-resident Nepali citizenship and economic, social and cultural rights.

Government Seeks Greater Diaspora Investment

The finance minister encouraged Nepalis in Australia and other countries to invest more actively in Nepal.

He also urged them to help attract foreign investors by sharing Nepal’s opportunities through their professional and business networks.

Wagle said the government would work to create a more predictable investment environment and facilitate the repatriation of profits and investment returns.

NRNA And Offshore Bonds Planned

According to Wagle, the government is introducing financial instruments intended to channel overseas Nepali capital into Nepal’s development.

The proposed measures include:

• NRNA bonds

• Offshore bonds

• Alternative financing mechanisms

• Investment opportunities in infrastructure

• Support for equity-based and productive industries

The government has previously outlined plans for a major annual diaspora bond designed to attract overseas Nepali capital for national development projects.

Diaspora Asked To Suggest Further Reforms

Wagle invited Nepalis living abroad to recommend additional measures that could make investing in Nepal easier.

He said government expenditure alone would not be enough to revive the economy and that private investment would have to play a larger role.

The finance minister said diaspora communities could contribute by bringing:

• Investment capital

• International business partnerships

• Professional expertise

• Technical knowledge

• New markets

• Entrepreneurial experience

Government Highlights First 100 Days

Reviewing the government’s first 100 days, Wagle said the administration had made a strong start in improving governance, strengthening public services and supporting economic recovery.

He said the government’s leadership was committed to:

• Merit-based appointments

• High ethical standards

• Zero tolerance for corruption

• More efficient public services

• Tax and revenue reforms

• Better management of public spending

• A stronger investment environment

Wagle described the current reform drive as one of Nepal’s most significant in the past decade.

A Major National Asset

The finance minister noted that the Nepali community has become an increasingly visible part of Australian society.

He said Nepalis in Australia possess capital, professional experience and strong international networks that could help support Nepal’s development.

Wagle encouraged the community to work collectively and take a leading role in bringing both Nepali and foreign investment into the country.

Rights And Investment Must Move Together

The government’s promise carries both emotional and practical significance for non-resident Nepalis.

Many members of the diaspora have long called for greater clarity regarding citizenship continuity, property rights, investment rules and their broader relationship with Nepal.

The government has said it intends to strengthen economic, social and cultural rights for non-resident Nepalis through legal and constitutional reforms.

However, the success of the initiative will depend on whether those promises are translated into clear laws, simpler procedures and reliable protection for investors.