On 29^th April, 2025, The Centre for Economic Development and Administration (CEDA), Tribhuvan University, organized a high-level seminar titled “US Tariff Policy and Geopolitics: Economic Impact Assessment of the Nepal-India-China Corridor,” in collaboration with the Friends of Silk Road Club–Nepal under the Nepal-China Friendship Forum. The event provided a timely and strategic platform to assess the implications of shifting global trade policies on Nepal.

Chaired by Prof. Dr. Arjun Kumar Baral, Executive Director of CEDA, the seminar brought together key stakeholders including former senior government officials, economists, policy experts, professors and academic leaders. The discussion focused on the ripple effects of US tariff policies particularly under a possible second Trump presidency on Nepal’s economy through its trade ties with India and China.

 Dr. Kalyan Raj Sharma, General Secretary of Friends of Silk Road Club–Nepal, delivered the keynote, highlighting that while Nepal isn't directly targeted by US tariffs, it faces significant indirect impacts through supply chain disruptions, currency fluctuations, and investor uncertainty, due to its deeply intertwined trade relationships with the global economy.

Prominent presentations included in the event are:

Dr. Ram Kumar Phuyal, Former Member of the National Planning Commission and Expert-Professor at CEDA, highlighted Nepal’s structural trade vulnerabilities and the urgency of reform as the country approaches LDC graduation in 2026.

Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, Former Chief Secretary of Government of Nepal, emphasized the need for policy preparedness in an interdependent global context.

Mr. Govinda Bahadur Karki, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Government of Nepal, outlined ongoing trade policy reforms aimed at enhancing Nepal’s export potential.

Prof. Dr. Khadga K.C., Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University, underlined Nepal’s geopolitical position and the need for a more strategic approach in foreign and trade policy.

The seminar facilitated broad-based dialogue among policymakers, academics, civil society, and PhD and M.Phil. scholars of the university. CEDA’s leadership in convening this policy forum underscored its role as a national think tank committed to advancing evidence-based policymaking and strategic discourse on Nepal’s economic challenges in a changing global order.

 The event concluded with a strong call for continued collaboration between government and academia to develop informed trade strategies and resilient economic policies.