Remarks by Ambassador James F. Moriarty for the
Inauguration of the Enterprise and Management Development Center,
Kathmandu University School of Management (KUSOM)
and
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

funded by
 the U.S. Department of State Citizen Exchanges Program

November 8, 2006
Annapurna Hotel

Thank you very much, Vice Chancellor Sharma, Dean KC, and Dr. Miller.  It is my great pleasure to be here with you and all of your distinguished guests from the business community, as well as many of your students, to inaugurate the first Enterprise and Management Development Center in Nepal. 

I am especially proud that this partnership endeavor between the Kathmandu University School of Management and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is funded by the Department of State.  For many years, the United States government has dedicated a portion of its annual budget to international partnerships between American universities and non-governmental organizations, and their foreign counterparts.  Often with just a little seed money, these partnerships blossom into long-term, highly productive international endeavors benefiting people on both sides.

This Center is quickly proving itself to be one of those partnerships.  Virginia Tech is a top-rated technical university in America, which has dedicated itself to becoming a truly international institution.  Already, Virginia Tech has academic programs running in many foreign countries, and it is intent on maintaining and expanding its relationship with Nepal.  I could not think of a better partner for Virginia Tech in Nepal than the Kathmandu University School of Management.  Now in its new campus, KUSOM will continue to produce Nepal’s business leaders, whose role in today’s new political landscape is more important than ever.

As we witness the unfolding peace process and push for a prosperous and democratic Nepal, private enterprise and economic growth are absolutely critical.  Peace will have a hard time taking root unless the economy begins to expand; more young people can find jobs; and capital investment increases.  We sincerely hope that this Enterprise and Management Development Center will play an important role in boosting the success and viability of local businesses through trainings, workshops and student intern experiences.  The United States has much to share with Nepal in the area of business development and we are very happy to do it through this partnership initiative.

Again, I wish to congratulate the Kathmandu University School of Management and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University on the successful inauguration of their joint Enterprise and Management Development Center.