KATHMANDU: The National Planning Commission (NPC) and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) have discussed strengthening collaboration to mobilize more than 300,000 Nepali experts worldwide in national development through knowledge, skills, technology, innovation, and investment.

During a meeting with NPC Vice Chairman Gunakar Bhatta, an NRNA delegation presented the concept paper for the 4th NRNA Global Knowledge Convention 2027. Gyanendra Regmi, NRNA Vice President and Head of the Skill, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Department, said the convention will transform recommendations from the previous three Global Nepali Knowledge Conventions into actionable programs aligned with the NPC’s priorities through six thematic areas.

Rojina Pradhan Rai, NRNA Vice President, Head of the NRN Welfare Department, and Coordinator of the Continuity of Citizenship Committee, stressed the need to connect skilled second-generation Nepalis with national development. She also urged the government to expedite implementation of NRN citizenship provisions, amend the NRN Act, operationalize the NRN Development Fund, and provide stronger legal and policy support to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer and long-term diaspora engagement.

NRN Development Fund CEO Anal Raj Bhattarai said preparations to operationalize the fund are in the final stage, with only one legal amendment remaining, while NRNA Deputy General Secretary Krishna Pokharel called for simplifying investment and profit repatriation procedures to create a more investment-friendly environment for non-resident Nepalis.

Bhatta welcomed the collaboration, describing diaspora expertise as vital for governance reform, institutional strengthening, policy development, digitization, higher education, and infrastructure, including tunnel and transport projects outside the Kathmandu Valley, and pledged the commission’s full support for the Global Knowledge Convention.

NRNA CEO Rajendra Kumar Raut said the association’s Europe and Asia-Pacific regional conferences are in their final preparation stages and will focus on promoting investment opportunities, attracting diaspora investment, and forwarding policy recommendations to support national development.