Gobinda Bahadur Karkee

 

Consul General

Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, China

International Development Studies Program (’03)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please tell us about your career path so far. What is your area of specialization and how did you come to work in this area?

I joined the Nepalese civil service in 1996 after succeeding in the tough selection process of the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Nepal. I started my career as a Planning Officer in the National Planning Commission (NPC), Government of Nepal. The National Planning Commission is the apex body of Nepal, responsible for formulating the central level development plan, policies and programs. I served about 9 years in the NPC, which includes two years of study at GRIPS. After returning from Japan, I was promoted to Under Secretary through another internal competitive Public Service Commission exam. Once promoted, I was posted to another development-related institution, the Ministry of Local Development. Under this ministry, I served about 4 years in three District Development Committees (DDCs) as a Local Development Officer. DDCs are local government bodies of Nepal in charge of formulating and implementing the development plan, polices and programs for the socio economic

development at the district/grassroots level. I also worked at the Ministry of Local Development where my major responsibilities were supporting the municipalities and DDCs in formulating their development plans and programs. Altogether, I served about 8 years in the Ministry of Local Development. After that, I was promoted to Joint Secretary, again through an internal competitive PSC exam, and was posted to the Ministry of Home Affairs where I served as Chief District Officer (CDO) in two District Administration Offices. CDO is the very crucial position in the district and my major responsibilities were to maintain law and order and ensuring good governance in the district. I also served as a Chief Immigration Officer at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu under the Ministry of Home Affairs. After two years of service in the Ministry of Home Affairs, I was transferred to the Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation where I was assigned as a Director General of the Department of Tourism. This Department plays a very important role in Nepal in the promotion and regulation of the tourism businesses as well as in building various tourism related infrastructures (not including airports). After serving for about 8 months in the Department of Tourism, the Government of Nepal appointed me as a Consul General of Nepal in Lhasa, China. I assumed my duty as a Consul General of Lhasa in May 2016. This is my career path so far.

 

Regarding my area of specialization, I have worked about 15 years at various development-related institutions at both central government and local government level. After serving for some two decades in the Nepalese civil service, I joined my current diplomatic position, an appointment for four years, which is a kind of new assignment for me. However, I am confident that my diverse work experiences and academic studies have been contributing to equip me with the necessary skills and know-how to accomplish this responsibility.

 

 

 

You are currently Consul General at the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa. What are your main responsibilities and duties?

As Consul General in Lhasa, my major responsibility is to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Also, protecting the rights and interests of the Nepali citizens and businesspersons residing in Tibet are among my responsibilities. Another major role is to promote bilateral trade, and attracting more Chinese investment and Chinese tourists to Nepal. Issuing passports and travel documents to Nepali people, and issuing Nepalese visa for Chinese and other foreigners are other major duties for me. Besides, attestation of documents, coordination of bilateral visits and meetings, facilitation of development programs which are being implemented in northern border districts of Nepal with the grant assistance from the Chinese Government are some other important issues I am responsible for.

 

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your work?

Tatopani- Zhangmu border port between Nepal and China lies in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This border port is very important for bilateral trade, tourism and is the shortest route between China and Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. This border port was badly affected by the earthquake of 25^th April 2015 and has consequently not been in operation since. There is a severe demand from the Nepali side to reopen this border port and it is one of the biggest challenges for me is to reopen this border port as early as possible. To achieve this, I have been coordinating with high-level leaders of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to resume operation of this border point by repairing damaged infrastructures at the Chinese side.

 

Similarly, trade volumes between China and Nepal have been increasing over the past decades. However, Nepal has a huge trade deficit with China and thus another challenge for me is how to narrow down this trade deficit by increasing export of Nepalese products to China. Also, how to benefit from China’s development by attracting more Chinese investment and tourists to Nepal is another challenge for me.

 

On the other hand, the northern border of Nepal is connected entirely with Tibet of China. There is a very good highway, a railway and other public infrastructures on the Tibetan side. However, there are acute shortages of such infrastructures in the northern parts of Nepal. So, my challenge is how to enhance our bilateral economic, social and cultural engagements by improving connectivity at the Nepali side.

 

In order to address those challenges, I have been coordinating with concerned Departments of both countries and I have seen some positive signals in this matter.

 

What have been the most interesting or rewarding aspects of your career thus far?

I have been serving my entire career in the Nepali civil service. Whenever I perform my duties that directly benefit the ordinary people and when I see the happiness in their faces I feel very proud and I believe this is the most rewarding aspect of my career. Moreover, since I have got the opportunity to serve in a variety of Government institutions ranging from local government to central government and a diplomatic mission abroad, this wide scope of work is something that has made my career very interesting and rewarding. Another highlight in my career is the opportunity provided by the governments of Nepal and Japan to pursue a Masters Degree in International Development Studies at GRIPS.

 

What do you see as the main challenges and opportunities for the Nepal – Tibet – China relations over the course of the next five to ten years?

I can see a few challenges but many more opportunities for the Nepal – Tibet – China relation over the course of the next five to ten years. Regarding the challenges, the geopolitical situation of Nepal is one of the major challenges for the Nepal – Tibet – China relation. Nepal lies between China and India, two giant emerging economies and as a result Nepal sometime faces difficulties in maintaining balanced diplomatic relations with both of them. Similarly, the frequent change of governments in Nepal may hinder the smooth implementation of bilateral agreements.

 

With regard to the opportunities for the Nepal – China relation, our two countries established diplomatic relations in 1955, but the roots of these relations go back thousands of years. Nepal and China relations are based on common interest, mutual understanding, and respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Nepal and China are connected by common mountains (Himalayas) and rivers. There are many similarities between the two countries in terms of religion, culture, languages and customs. There is a good relation between our governments as well as on a people to people level. Nepal – Tibet – China relations have been growing in a constant, steady and healthy manner.

 

Nepal can benefit immensely from the high economic growth of China. As a good neighbor, Nepal can attract more Chinese investors and tourists to Nepal, which is instrumental for the country’s development.

 

China has also given a duty free, quota free facility to more than 8,000 Nepalese products. Nepal can significantly benefit from this facility. Similarly, China has adopted the “One Belt One Road” initiative and is expanding a railway up to the Nepal border. This will help the connectivity and economic development of Nepal. China has also been providing assistance for building socio-economic infrastructures of Nepal. The Tibetan Government has also been providing food support and infrastructure-related equipment to the northern border districts of Nepal. 

 

China currently ranks as the second largest country in terms of trade, tourism and investment in Nepal. The bilateral trade volume and number Chinese tourists in Nepal have also been growing. Similarly, the number of Nepali students and businessmen in China has been increasing.

 

I think these are the solid foundations and opportunities for having good and strengthened relationships between Nepal – Tibet – China in the future.

 

What led you to GRIPS? What was the most important thing you learned while here, and how has your experience at GRIPS prepared you for future endeavours?

I had heard about GRIPS and its academic excellence from previous Nepali students. In 2000, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Nepal office had sent a letter to my organization (National Planning Commission of Nepal) requesting to nominate appropriate candidate for the Masters Program in International Development Studies at GRIPS. Then, my organization nominated me for this program and subsequently GRIPS selected me for enrollment in this program.

 

I was impressed by the quality education offered by the knowledgeable and experienced professors of GRIPS. They used textbook of world-renowned authors and professors. They also used contemporary research articles and internet sources on various development issues. I was also fascinated by the regular assignments, exams, and feedback from professors. Similarly, the mixture of students from Japan and 15 developing countries across the world was also a great opportunity to learn from cross-cultural experiences in various economic, social, cultural and administrative settings. On top of that, the hardworking work culture of the Japanese people is the most important thing I learned from Japan. During my study at GRIPS, I was also lucky that I was given an opportunity to work for six months as an intern at the Asian Productivity Organization where I learned the working culture of an inter-governmental organization. Building a human network among students from different parts of the world is also an important thing I gained from GRIPS.

 

In brief, theoretical and practical knowledge of development economics, experience sharing between developed and developing countries, practical training in an international organization, and getting acquainted with the hardworking culture of Japan are all very important leanings from GRIPS, Japan.

 

All the knowledge, experiences and learning of Japan have become instrumental for my career development and individual growth. Especially, the knowledge of development economics acquired at GRIPS has broadened my horizon and way of thinking which has contributed a lot while discharging my various official responsibilities in Nepal and abroad. The two years of studying at GRIPS has played a very significant role in sharpening my work performances and career development. And I believe, it will continue to do so in the rest of the career and life.

 

What is your fondest memory of your time spent at GRIPS?

During our campus holiday we, students from the International Development Studies Program, visited some beautiful places of Japan. GRIPS also used to organize such kind of visits. The visit to a Snow Festival of Niigata Prefecture of Japan organized by JICA is perhaps the fondest memory of my time spent at GRIPS. In that festival, during nighttime, I visited a small snow-house and tasted traditional Japanese food and Sake (Japanese wine), a truly wonderful experience.

 

What do you miss about Nepal and how do you like living in Tibet?

Due to the lack of English medium school in Lhasa, my two children are studying in Kathmandu, Nepal so I am living alone here and am somehow missing my family. However, my wife and children visit Lhasa twice a year during their long vacation and I myself can visit Kathmandu occasionally. Apart from that, I am also missing my other relatives, friends and Nepali festivals.

 

Physically, Tibet is about 1100 kilometer away from Kathmandu. There is a direct flight from Lhasa (Tibet) to Kathmandu and we can travel by road also. However, there is a vast difference between Kathmandu and Tibet in terms of topography, climate, people and culture. The Tibetan Plateau is really a mysterious highland for travelers. Average altitude of Tibet is 4000 meter above sea level and that’s why it is called “the roof of the world”. Due to the high altitude, the oxygen level in Lhasa and entire Tibet is quite low and some visitors may encounter altitude sickness during their visit, especially in the first few days.

 

The Tibetan Plateau is composed of many high mountains, beautiful lakes, gorges, valleys, rivers and pasturelands. Almost all Tibetan people follow Buddhism. So, Tibet is really a holy land for Buddhists with its hundreds of famous monasteries, holy mountains and lakes.  Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar are very famous holy places for Buddhists as well Hindus. Similarly, Potala Palace in Lhasa is a very magnificent historical monument that was originally built in the 6th Century. It is well-preserved and a major attraction of Lhasa for tourists. Tibet is also very rich in culture, festivals, dresses, dances and songs. In terms of land area, Tibet is the second largest province of China with 12,88,000 square kilometer area which make it nine times bigger than Nepal. However, most of the land is on the Tibetan Plateau, which means it is not useful for farming and living and is protected by the Government.  Similarly, Tibetan people are simple and hospitable. In short, Tibet is really a unique and magnificent place. So, I am enjoying working here in such a unique environment.

 

There are a few hundred Nepali citizen who have married Tibetan people and are living in Tibet as permanent residents. Similarly, there are some Nepali businessmen who have been traditionally doing their business in Tibet. There are also some Nepali workers working here in Lhasa with satisfactory salaries. High-level officials, businessmen and pilgrims of Tibet and Nepal frequently visit each other’s countries. Most importantly, there is a good working relation and understanding between various Departments of Tibet and the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa. So, I am happy working here in Lhasa, as the only one foreign Consul General in Tibet, China.

 

How do you maintain the balance between work and the rest of your life? What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

I do balance between work and the rest of my life. I spent my leisure time by watching TV particularly news, reading books, listening to music, doing shopping, walking and playing badminton. When I was Nepal, I used to meet relatives, friends and visit public parks and the swimming pool with my family in the weekends. My favorite thing is to travel to new places when I am not working.

 

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone considering studying at GRIPS what would it be?

GRIPS’ education is very intensive and practical, especially to the students from developing countries. In my opinion, GRIPS has been providing high quality education as good as Western universities. So, studying at GRIPS is really worth checking out for any potential students interested in public policy and/or development issues.

 

How would you like to maintain involved with GRIPS? What do you expect from GRIPS as an alumnus and do you have any suggestions on how to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network?

GRIPS has been providing short-term (about 3 months) research programs for former students (alumnus). Similarly, GRIPS professors pay occasional visits to countries where alumni live and work. These are some good ways to stay involved with GRIPS. So, such kind of programs should be continued in the future. However, it would be great if the period of the short-term research program could be made shorter for high-level officials like me as it may be difficult to be away for such a long time. I therefore have some expectations and suggestions to further utilize the GRIPS alumni network in future. Firstly, GRIPS could invite some former students who have been outstanding in their respective fields to give lectures or share their experiences with the present students. Secondly, GRIPS could organize a discussion program from time to time with GRIPS professors, practitioners and alumni on emerging global issues in the countries of the alumnus. Thirdly, GRIPS could organize a one-week study visit program to GRIPS and other relevant institutions. Size of this group may be about 15-20 former students from the same discipline or similar background.