Suraj Vaidya elected dean of honorary consular corps Nepal

KATHMANDU: Suraj Vaidya, chairman of the prominent business conglomerate Vaidya’s Organization of Industries and Trading Houses, has been unanimously elected as the new Dean of the Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN).

Vaidya, a former president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Honorary Consul of the Philippines to Nepal, was elected unopposed during the HCCN’s general assembly held in Kathmandu.

The general assembly also elected Pasang Dawa Sherpa as Vice Dean. Vaidya succeeds Bhola Thapa, Honorary Consul of Bulgaria to Nepal, who previously served as the Dean of HCCN.

Assuming his new responsibility, Vaidya said attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), promoting tourism and strengthening Nepal’s economic diplomacy would be among his key priorities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Vaidya said he would work actively to strengthen relations between Nepal and the international community while expanding opportunities for economic cooperation.

HCCN currently represents the interests of honorary consuls from more than 64 countries in Nepal. According to Vaidya, the countries represented by the organization play a significant role in the global economy, international trade, technology, innovation, tourism and investment.

He said Nepal’s engagement with these countries—representing a combined population of more than 5 billion people and a collective economic size of over $100 trillion—presents significant opportunities for the country’s economic development.

Vaidya said the importance of economic diplomacy has grown further as Nepal seeks to attract investment, create employment, expand tourism and increase international trade.

He emphasized that honorary consuls can serve as a bridge not only between governments but also between the private sector, investors, entrepreneurs, academic institutions and communities, helping deepen international economic and institutional ties.

During his tenure, Vaidya said HCCN would work closely with the Government of Nepal, relevant ministries, constitutional bodies and the private sector to strengthen relations with the countries represented by its members.

The organization aims to facilitate quality foreign investment, promote tourism, encourage technology and knowledge transfer, expand trade and market access, and strengthen educational and cultural exchanges, he said.

Vaidya also stressed that collaboration among the government, private sector, diplomatic community and civil society is essential for Nepal’s sustainable development.

He said HCCN is prepared to leverage its international network, experience and goodwill in support of Nepal’s long-term development priorities and global aspirations.

Vaidya further pledged to work with Nepal’s diplomatic community, development partners, business leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen the country’s international image, create new opportunities for economic cooperation and contribute to building a more prosperous Nepal that is better connected with the global economy.

He expressed gratitude to HCCN members for entrusting him with the responsibility and acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Dean and previous leadership teams in advancing the organization.

Vaidya brings extensive experience from Nepal’s industrial and business sector to his new role. His family-owned Vaidya’s Organization, a business house with more than six decades of history, has long been associated with the automotive sector as the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nepal and has expanded its investments into sectors including cement and hospitality.