Kathmandu. In a significant moment for Nepal’s academic and policy engagement in Asia, Sunil KC, Founder of Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IIDA) and Chairman of the Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), has become the first Nepali to be invited to deliver a presentation at the prestigious IDE-JETRO Symposium in Japan. The seminar organized by the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) under the Japan External Trade Organization was held in Tokyo on February 10.

This participation marks the first time that Nepal has been formally included in IDE-JETRO’s research and dialogue programs. It has also opened the door for lasting educational and policy cooperation between Japanese and Nepali institutions. IDE-JETRO is a globally recognized organization for research on developing economies and regional cooperation. In the seminar, KC gave a presentation on the topic ‘Bay of Bengal Updates: Regional Economic Cooperation’. He highlighted Nepal’s developing strategic and economic role in the Bay of Bengal region amidst changes taking place in the global balance of power.

KC said deepening regional cooperation was becoming increasingly indispensable for economic prosperity and economic prosperity as the country moved towards trilateral and comprehensive regional structure from bilateral structure. Pointing out economic growth and trade expansion as the main bases of regional integration, he underscored the need of development of multi-modal transport and logistics to connect landlocked countries like Nepal with the Bay of Bengal.

His presentation also covered the importance of cooperation in resource management, energy cooperation, digital integration, maritime security and geo-political stability. He also stressed on the role of regional disparities through easy access between coastal and landlocked economies, tourism promotion and cultural exchange.

The event was attended by eminent scholars and policy experts from Japan, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan, providing a common platform for a future-oriented dialogue on regional economic cooperation and strategic relations in the Bay of Bengal region.

The participation of KC, founder of IDA, indicates Nepal’s growing presence in the regional economic and strategic discussions and reflects the further strengthening of intellectual and institutional relations between Nepal and Japan. IDE-JETRO and Aida will also collaborate regularly for regional dialogues and research projects. Continued collaboration with IDE-JETRO is expected to support evidence-based policymaking and strengthened regional cooperation in the coming years.

The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDA) is a Kathmandu-based think-tank that promotes independent research and dialogue on Nepal’s foreign policy, regional cooperation, and global affairs.