We spoke with His Excellency Roland Sch�fer, Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany to Nepal about the relations between Germany and Nepal, the German Education system, his love for tarkari, his hidden talent and what the future holds for the two countries. Read on to find out all that and more.
You visited Nepal in 1997 as Tourist and now in the position of Ambassador to Nepal, How do you relate these two visits? What has your experience been like in these two visits?
Well, what strikes me today is how much promise plays a role in the destiny of Nepal if you look at it from a historical perspective. In 1996-1997 Nepal was just at the start of an internal armed conflict. Democracy had been introduced 6 years before � and sadly, some parts of the Nepali people felt that the promises given then had not been kept. Now, more than 20 years later, the civil war is over and there is a new promise for the Nepali people. First of all peace, together with democratic elections and a stable government which can work for economic prosperity and the rule of law. There is a parallelism, but with a positive outlook. Today�s situation is better. We are all very hopeful that the political leaders of the country will live up to these promises.
Diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Federal Republic of Germany were established in 1958. Since then the relations between Nepal and Germany have been growing on the foothold of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. How do you describe our relationship?
It�s a long standing, very strong partnership. We follow basically three principles in our relation with Nepal. First of all, if you want to cooperate you have to be wanted by those you cooperate with. If the Government and people of Nepal want what the Germans have to offer, we are fine. This has been a principle through the whole history of our relations. Secondly, we want to do things that are needed�helping in the development of the country, improve the living conditions of the people. And, the third is that of course we look after our own interests as well. We have an interest in Nepal being a sovereign, democratic, peaceful and prosperous country. This has been a very good base for our partnership for the last 60 years and � in a changing world, and a changing partnership - these principles still apply.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft f�r Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH has been active in Nepal since 1974 and at present, it is active in more than 60 districts. How do you remark its activities in Nepal?
They have always followed the three principles. They�ve been wanted, they�ve been needed and they helped develop a vision of a prosperous Nepal. This has been true for all the different phases of Nepali history in terms of development of the western region where the most poverty stricken areas are but also in terms of the infrastructure. Currently the GIZ is investing in three areas. The health sector, for instance the introduction of a health insurance system of the public is one of the forward looking projects which they are pursuing together with the Nepali government. In energy, they have a long standing cooperation but it�s important that the far flung areas of Nepal have access to energy even if they are off grid. Thirdly, the GIZ engages in helping to create conditions for sustainable economic development, increasing the competitiveness of producers, trading firms and in the future whole regions. I should not forget that we have a second strong actor for development cooperation in Nepal which is the German Development Bank (KFW). They choose their investments in harmony with these priorities. Currently we see that there is a discussion in Nepal about not only how to generate electric power from hydropower but also how to evacuate it from where it is produced to where it is consumed. How to build the power lines into neighboring countries and also the center of Nepal? The KFW is investing heavily into power lines and therefore addressing a core problem of Nepal�s development. I am very proud of these three principles and of the fact that for almost for 60 years now both institutions have been present and active in Nepal.
People of Germany and the Government of Germany have a thought that Education should not be a saleable commodity. As such, the country has opened its door for free education for everyone in Public Universities. Many Nepali students have got the opportunity to study in Germany and more want to join. We would like here more about it from you.
It�s the German system. I myself never paid school fees and still received first-class education and this is still true for most of Germany. I would like to not only speak about universities but also primary schools and professional education. All these are free in Germany and on top of it, we are quite particular: even if you don�t go to university, you can have a good education on the technical, professional level and you will still make very good money and have a great social status. The professional education is co-financed by the state and the business. If you have gotten your high-school exam or even before you finish High school you can be hired by a German firm, they will pay during your three years training a small salary. During these three years, you work half of the time in the enterprise which has hired you - learning their trade. And you spend half of your time in school and learn the more abstract, more business like matters in the school. This has been the foundation to German industry�s success. It�s this professional training and the linkage it provides between engineers and the trained workforce. This is something we would like to expand more with Nepal, along with fostering studies in our and other European universities.
Do you have any suggestions to potential students who would like to pursue their studies in Germany?
You�re welcome in Germany. Of course, one should learn some German, for instance in the Goethe-Centre in Kathmandu � for daily life, not necessarily for studying, before you apply. You find all necessary information on the Embassy�s website. You don�t need to spend money on any agency. So the main advice is: go. It is a very good destination for studies. People in Germany like Nepalis and they like having Nepali people around. The only thing I can say is go and study, it�s a fantastic opportunity.
When we see German Tourist arrival statistics in Nepal, we find constant growth except for the year 2014 and 2015 reaching about 30000 in the year 2017 from about 18500 in the year 2008. It is projected to increase by about 20-30 percent this year. This means Nepal as destination is being well promoted in Germany. Do you have any suggestions to increase further number of Tourists visiting to Nepal?
We are very glad that so many tourists come to visit Nepal. They usually come as tourists and leave as friends. And often they come back so it�s a very special form of tourism. In this respect it is quite interesting to see that Germany too has become a first-grade destination for tourism. The lonely planet in 2018 has listed Germany in the first place to visit. If you go to Germany you have a highly industrialized country which at the same time is very careful of its environment. If Nepal wishes to make a long-term plan for the future, a vision, this might be an inspiration. We can only encourage all efforts to clean up the Kathmandu valley by fostering e-mobility and by making investments in clean and readily available public transports. This will give access to the cultural heritage in the valley which right now the tourists sometimes tend to avoid a little bit because they quickly go to the mountains where the air is much cleaner. Also it would be important to work in the safety of air travelling in Nepal. The European states are ready to cooperate with the Government of Nepal and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to remove the obstacles which currently exist. This will be a longer process but this is a process we want to engage with. To me, these would be the two main boosters for tourism, the ecology and safer air travel. The rest is already there, the love, the food, the scenery, the smile of the people. Nepal has everything required to be a good tourist destination, and to increase safe, good, respectful tourism.
What are the other potential areas where Germany & Nepal can cooperate for mutual benefits?
We have invested in what we and the Nepal Government felt were the core triggers for development. Energy, health and let me mention to the European Union�s investing in education. I think, these are currently the core elements. But, the new vision for relations between Germany and Nepal, that would be industrial cooperation. Nepal is a country where industry can have a future. For instance, the light industry, and the IT services will have a future where there is a well-educated youth � as is the case at least in the Kathmandu valley. That is not in opposition to agriculture or tourism. If you look at Germany or Austria or Switzerland are very highly industrialized countries but are still is very good tourism destinations.
While talking about tourism, we should not forget about food too. Would you please talk about food culture of Germany?
German food culture is characterized by three elements. Simplicity, the German food is very simple with good ingredients and fresh on the table. Second, I think us Germans and all Europeans we like variations. We don�t like to eat the same thing every day therefore we have different dishes and bring different things on the table as far as we can. (That is maybe a little different from Nepal). And finally, we are curious about other food. Even in Nepal the Germans like to taste the local food. They are very curious. So, I think these three things, simplicity, curiosity and variation characterize German food culture. I�ve been struck recently by a visit from a group of German chefs. High-ranking, high-class chefs who can compete worldwide. The Colonia Kochkunstverein, the Association of the Art of Cooking from Cologne. They came here with about 30-40 people - not all chefs; some were business people and they were interested in Nepal from the business and the food aspect and they have promised to come back. I have great hopes that the next reception for the German National day on October 3rd in Kathmandu will see food cooked by them. They promised to come back all the way to Nepal, just for that.
Have you had a chance to try Nepali food?
Yes and I liked it. I liked the rice and the lentils and the variations in tarkari. There are a few fruits in the residence garden which are quite interesting. We had a soup of iskus the other day and we liked it very much. So I just enjoy it. We also eat German and European food in the embassy but from time to time I need to have the dal bhaat.
We are very aware that Germany produces good Wines and Beers too, we would like hear about it from you.
Its part of our food culture to have wine in certain parts of the country. In other parts its beer. It�s a very proud tradition. Very strict laws that the beer has to be very pure. Good water and only a few ingredients and then the technique is applied to produce good beer. I�m also very proud that the Jawalakhel group has now got the license from one of the first brands of German beer from Warsteiner to produce that beer here in Nepal. I have tasted it and it tastes exactly like Warsteiner so I can only recommend it. It�s a very good sign of confidence in the capacity of this group to adhere to the principles of purity and quality which Warsteiner wants before they give the license.
Do you have a preference between German Food and Nepali Food?
Nepali food: I like it even more when there is something green in it like spinach or green pumpkin. I have a little bit of a problem with Newari food because it is either delicious or � if not so fresh � it can be a bit dry. The Kochkunstverein from Cologne came and had dinner at the Dwarika hotel, with a pure Newari meal. Very fresh, different dishes served one after another, and it was excellent. That showed us all that with Newari food, all is in the preparation and the freshness.
Would you mind to give us an insight on your daily life? Your interests, hobbies any hidden talents?
I like reading and as an ambassador you want to read about the country. Currently, I get through �the Nepal Scene which are a collection of monthly chronicles of the political life of Nepal by Elizabeth Hawley, an American who lived here for more than 60 years. Her work was edited by Lisa Choegyal and Mikel Dunham and published in Nepal by Vajra Books. I am also currently reading Hemanta Mishra�s autobiography who is a well-known Nepali nature conservationist and he has very good stories about his life. Very light reading but very interesting. I also like hiking, not in the mountains but the hills. Nagarkot, Gorkha and Dhulikhel are great places for that. My hidden talent is very hidden indeed. But I confess that I actually like singing, I�m not very good but I enjoy it.
Lastly, would you like to convey any message to our readers?
Food Magazine is about having fun with the most serious thing in life: good food. I hope we can all look to the future with optimism � like we look forward to a good meal.
People of Germany and the Government of Germany have a thought that Education should not be a saleable commodity. As such, the country has opened its door for free education for everyone in Public Universities. Many Nepali students have got the opportunity to study in Germany and more want to join. We would like here more about it from you.
It�s the German system. I myself never paid school fees and still received first-class education and this is still true for most of Germany. I would like to not only speak about universities but also primary schools and professional education. All these are free in Germany and on top of it, we are quite particular: even if you don�t go to university, you can have a good education on the technical, professional level and you will still make very good money and have a great social status. The professional education is co-financed by the state and the business. If you have gotten your high-school exam or even before you finish High school you can be hired by a German firm, they will pay during your three years training a small salary. During these three years, you work half of the time in the enterprise which has hired you - learning their trade. And you spend half of your time in school and learn the more abstract, more business like matters in the school. This has been the foundation to German industry�s success. It�s this professional training and the linkage it provides between engineers and the trained workforce. This is something we would like to expand more with Nepal, along with fostering studies in our and other European universities.
Do you have any suggestions to potential students who would like to pursue their studies in Germany?
You�re welcome in Germany. Of course, one should learn some German, for instance in the Goethe-Centre in Kathmandu � for daily life, not necessarily for studying, before you apply. You find all necessary information on the Embassy�s website. You don�t need to spend money on any agency. So the main advice is: go. It is a very good destination for studies. People in Germany like Nepalis and they like having Nepali people around. The only thing I can say is go and study, it�s a fantastic opportunity.
When we see German Tourist arrival statistics in Nepal, we find constant growth except for the year 2014 and 2015 reaching about 30000 in the year 2017 from about 18500 in the year 2008. It is projected to increase by about 20-30 percent this year. This means Nepal as destination is being well promoted in Germany. Do you have any suggestions to increase further number of Tourists visiting to Nepal?
We are very glad that so many tourists come to visit Nepal. They usually come as tourists and leave as friends. And often they come back so it�s a very special form of tourism. In this respect it is quite interesting to see that Germany too has become a first-grade destination for tourism. The lonely planet in 2018 has listed Germany in the first place to visit. If you go to Germany you have a highly industrialized country which at the same time is very careful of its environment. If Nepal wishes to make a long-term plan for the future, a vision, this might be an inspiration. We can only encourage all efforts to clean up the Kathmandu valley by fostering e-mobility and by making investments in clean and readily available public transports. This will give access to the cultural heritage in the valley which right now the tourists sometimes tend to avoid a little bit because they quickly go to the mountains where the air is much cleaner. Also it would be important to work in the safety of air travelling in Nepal. The European states are ready to cooperate with the Government of Nepal and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to remove the obstacles which currently exist. This will be a longer process but this is a process we want to engage with. To me, these would be the two main boosters for tourism, the ecology and safer air travel. The rest is already there, the love, the food, the scenery, the smile of the people. Nepal has everything required to be a good tourist destination, and to increase safe, good, respectful tourism.
What are the other potential areas where Germany & Nepal can cooperate for mutual benefits?
We have invested in what we and the Nepal Government felt were the core triggers for development. Energy, health and let me mention to the European Union�s investing in education. I think, these are currently the core elements. But, the new vision for relations between Germany and Nepal, that would be industrial cooperation. Nepal is a country where industry can have a future. For instance, the light industry, and the IT services will have a future where there is a well-educated youth � as is the case at least in the Kathmandu valley. That is not in opposition to agriculture or tourism. If you look at Germany or Austria or Switzerland are very highly industrialized countries but are still is very good tourism destinations.
While talking about tourism, we should not forget about food too. Would you please talk about food culture of Germany?
German food culture is characterized by three elements. Simplicity, the German food is very simple with good ingredients and fresh on the table. Second, I think us Germans and all Europeans we like variations. We don�t like to eat the same thing every day therefore we have different dishes and bring different things on the table as far as we can. (That is maybe a little different from Nepal). And finally, we are curious about other food. Even in Nepal the Germans like to taste the local food. They are very curious. So, I think these three things, simplicity, curiosity and variation characterize German food culture. I�ve been struck recently by a visit from a group of German chefs. High-ranking, high-class chefs who can compete worldwide. The Colonia Kochkunstverein, the Association of the Art of Cooking from Cologne. They came here with about 30-40 people - not all chefs; some were business people and they were interested in Nepal from the business and the food aspect and they have promised to come back. I have great hopes that the next reception for the German National day on October 3rd in Kathmandu will see food cooked by them. They promised to come back all the way to Nepal, just for that.
Have you had a chance to try Nepali food?
Yes and I liked it. I liked the rice and the lentils and the variations in tarkari. There are a few fruits in the residence garden which are quite interesting. We had a soup of iskus the other day and we liked it very much. So I just enjoy it. We also eat German and European food in the embassy but from time to time I need to have the dal bhaat.
We are very aware that Germany produces good Wines and Beers too, we would like hear about it from you.
Its part of our food culture to have wine in certain parts of the country. In other parts its beer. It�s a very proud tradition. Very strict laws that the beer has to be very pure. Good water and only a few ingredients and then the technique is applied to produce good beer. I�m also very proud that the Jawalakhel group has now got the license from one of the first brands of German beer from Warsteiner to produce that beer here in Nepal. I have tasted it and it tastes exactly like Warsteiner so I can only recommend it. It�s a very good sign of confidence in the capacity of this group to adhere to the principles of purity and quality which Warsteiner wants before they give the license.
Do you have a preference between German Food and Nepali Food?
Nepali food: I like it even more when there is something green in it like spinach or green pumpkin. I have a little bit of a problem with Newari food because it is either delicious or � if not so fresh � it can be a bit dry. The Kochkunstverein from Cologne came and had dinner at the Dwarika hotel, with a pure Newari meal. Very fresh, different dishes served one after another, and it was excellent. That showed us all that with Newari food, all is in the preparation and the freshness.
Would you mind to give us an insight on your daily life? Your interests, hobbies any hidden talents?
I like reading and as an ambassador you want to read about the country. Currently, I get through �the Nepal Scene which are a collection of monthly chronicles of the political life of Nepal by Elizabeth Hawley, an American who lived here for more than 60 years. Her work was edited by Lisa Choegyal and Mikel Dunham and published in Nepal by Vajra Books. I am also currently reading Hemanta Mishra�s autobiography who is a well-known Nepali nature conservationist and he has very good stories about his life. Very light reading but very interesting. I also like hiking, not in the mountains but the hills. Nagarkot, Gorkha and Dhulikhel are great places for that. My hidden talent is very hidden indeed. But I confess that I actually like singing, I�m not very good but I enjoy it.
Lastly, would you like to convey any message to our readers?
Food Magazine is about having fun with the most serious thing in life: good food. I hope we can all look to the future with optimism � like we look forward to a good meal.
