Nepal and Uganda pivot foreign policies toward economic diplomacy

Nepal and Uganda are both implementing strategic shifts in their foreign policies to prioritize domestic economic development and trade outcomes.

In Nepal, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that the nation’s foreign policy should serve as an instrument for economic transformation. Speaking at an event organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Nepal, Khanal emphasized that Nepal aims to leverage its geographical position between India and China to act as a dynamic bridge between the two economies. He noted that the policy remains rooted in non-alignment, sovereignty, and mutual respect while seeking to deliver employment and economic dignity.

Similarly, Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pivoting toward aggressive economic statecraft. The new mandate focuses on tying international relations directly to job creation and trade expansion. This approach treats diplomatic missions as extensions of national economic strategy, with success measured by macroeconomic indicators such as net export growth and the reduction of trade deficits.