Rajesh Kazi receives Vietnam's service award

Kathmandu, Aug. 1

Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has honoured Rajesh Kazi Shrestha, Honorary Consul General of Vietnam to Nepal, with the Outstanding Award and a certificate of recognition for his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.

The ministry presented the award under the category 'Contribution to Vietnam's Foreign Service', recognising Shrestha's role in promoting trade, tourism and cultural ties between Nepal and Vietnam.

The Honorary Consul General Office informed in a statement that Vietnam also acknowledged his support for Vietnamese citizens and businesses in Nepal and his contribution to expanding bilateral cooperation.

The certificate, signed by Vietnam's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lê Hoài Trung, states that Shrestha had made contributions to strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding cooperation and supporting Vietnam's foreign service.

According to the citation, he also contributed to the development of Vietnam's diplomatic sector, the expansion of international relations and the strengthening of the country's foreign service.

Receiving the award, Shrestha thanked the Government of Vietnam, the MoFA, the Embassy of Vietnam in New Delhi and other institutions for the recognition. He said he would continue working to strengthen cooperation between Nepal and Vietnam.

Shrestha is the former president of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, and Nepal China Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is involved in several businesses including automobile, hospitality and trading. "The two countries should establish direct air connectivity to promote tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges. Direct flights could support Buddhist tourism, noting Nepal's significance as the birthplace of Buddha and Vietnam's Buddhist heritage," he said.

According to him, Lumbini could become a focal point for Buddhist tourism and direct flights would help expand religious tourism, cultural exchanges, academic cooperation and business partnerships.

Shrestha also identified opportunities for cooperation in information technology, tourism, services, education, manufacturing, agriculture, food processing, infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, minerals and investment. He said partnerships and joint investment in these sectors could strengthen economic cooperation and benefit both countries.