[🇧🇩] Nepal---A bosom Friend of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Bangladesh, Nepal keen to deepen bilateral travel ties

"We invite Bangladeshis not only to visit but to truly connect with Nepal"

www.thedailystar.net

Bangladesh, Nepal keen to deepen bilateral travel ties

Photo: BSS

Bangladesh and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cross-border tourism and enhancing people-to-people connectivity.

This commitment was expressed during the Nepal-Bangladesh Tourism Meet, held in Dhaka today at a city hotel. The event focused on shared opportunities in the travel sector and fostering collaboration between the two countries.

Jointly organised by the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka and the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) under the theme 'Neighbourly Nepal: Land of Lifetime Experiences', the event brought together key stakeholders from both countries to explore avenues for deeper collaboration in tourism.

Speaking as chief guest, Nepalese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari highlighted Nepal's growing popularity among Bangladeshi travellers, pointing to the country's major attractions such as natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse adventure offerings.

He described tourism and people-to-people exchanges as a celebration of the historical friendship between the two nations.

Calling for greater business-to-business cooperation, the envoy encouraged tour and travel entrepreneurs from both sides to forge stronger ties and contribute to bilateral growth through tourism.

NTB Director Rohini Prasad Khanal delivered a detailed presentation on Nepal's wide range of tourism offerings. These include trekking, mountaineering and paragliding, as well as spiritual retreats, wellness escapes and medical tourism.

"We invite Bangladeshis not only to visit but to truly connect with Nepal and return home with unforgettable stories," Khanal said.

Joint Secretary of Bangladesh's Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism AKM Moniruzzaman underscored the pivotal role of tourism in fostering regional ties.

He advocated for the development of joint tourism packages, positioning Bangladesh and Nepal as complementary destinations for international travellers.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepalese Embassy Silwal noted the event reflected Nepal's strong intent to deepen tourism cooperation with Bangladesh.

President of the Association of Travel Agents of Bangladesh (ATAB) Abdus Salam Aref and Chairman of the Asian Tourism Fair Mohiuddin Helal also spoke.

Before the formal ceremony, B2B (Business to Business) and networking sessions were held among travel operators from both countries to facilitate business collaboration.

The visiting Nepali delegation included NTB officials and representatives from 13 travel companies.

Over 150 participants attended the event, including government officials, tour operators, airline executives, hoteliers, and other stakeholders from Bangladesh's tourism and hospitality sector.​

 

[Saif]

NEPAL-BANGLADESH TRADE: Impact on local economy

WHILE major bilateral trade with high-GDP countries makes the headlines, a quieter but increasingly significant economic partnership flourishes between Bangladesh and its landlocked Himalayan neighbour Nepal. Both the countries possess a...

www.newagebd.net

NEPAL-BANGLADESH TRADE: Impact on local economy
by Imran Hossain 06 July, 2025, 00:00

WHILE major bilateral trade with high-GDP countries makes the headlines, a quieter but increasingly significant economic partnership flourishes between Bangladesh and its landlocked Himalayan neighbour Nepal. Both the countries possess a distinctive chance to enhance economic relations notwithstanding the 52-kilometre Siliguri Corridor in the Indian territory that divides them. The corridor, previously under-used, now experiences increased commerce in agricultural products, textiles and energy, propelled by recent legislative reforms and new connection projects. This cross-border collaboration, which navigates geographical complexities through India, is now demonstrably impacting the economy of Bangladesh, particularly in its border and port area, by creating jobs, boosting port activities and diversifying markets.Bangladesh-themed souvenirs

Forging pathways

TRADE between Bangladesh and Nepal faced substantial obstacles because of the lack of a direct border, which necessitated transit through the Indian territory. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, Nepal–Bangladesh commerce has been guided by annual commerce secretary meetings and bilateral agreements. In April 2024, the seventh Nepal–Bangladesh commerce secretary-level meeting reviewed progress in trade, transit and investment and set in motion negotiations for a preferential trade agreement and a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement. Both the countries have also been active members of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation programme since 2001, which has channelled more than $13 billion into regional transport, trade facilitation and energy projects.Bangladesh-themed souvenirs

Persistent diplomatic efforts led to a significant deal in 2023, granting Nepal permanent access to Bangladesh’s key ports of Mongla and Chattogram through the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal motor vehicles agreement framework. The Nepal-Bangladesh Transit Treaty Protocol in early 2024 further streamlined procedures, significantly reducing transit time and costs. Although still small, bilateral trade is increasing steadily. In 2023, Nepal imported goods worth NPR 6,045 million (about $40 million) from Bangladesh and exported goods worth NPR 574 million (roughly $3.8 million) to Bangladesh, creating a trade deficit of about NPR 5.47 billion in Nepal’s favour. The export of red lentils, ginger, cardamom and other spices from Nepal and oil cakes, jute textiles, pharmaceuticals and potatoes from Bangladesh accounted for a substantial portion of the about $70 million in total trade between the two countries in 2022, according to Bangladesh’s foreign ministry.Bangladesh-themed souvenirs

Impact on economy

THE impact extends inland. Nepali goods are now more widely available and competitive on the Bangladesh markets because of simple import procedures. Lentils, ginger, herbs, fruit such as apples and stone aggregates are examples of necessary goods. Nepali ginger is often fresher and cheaper now compared with supplies from other regions. Customers now have more options because of this inflow, which also helps to keep costs of some goods stable. From initial findings, far-western Nepalese lentil farmers who gained contracts with Bangladesh in 2023 should see a 15 per cent boost in income. Additionally, Nepal is seeking to export yarn, handicrafts, coffee, tea, ginger, cardamom, herbal items, shoes, gems, and jewellery. The trade balance has favoured Bangladesh while Nepal imports necessities such as processed food, plastics, ceramics, furniture, textiles and pharmaceuticals from Bangladesh. Bangladeshi manufacturers, especially SMEs, see new opportunities as a result of easier access.Bangladesh-themed souvenirs

While digital connection projects under the BBIN and SASEC frameworks promise longer-term gains in e-commerce and information technology services, the upgrade of land customs stations at Banglabandha and Burimari has created jobs in the construction and logistics sectors. The emerging partnership has enormous promises for more than conventional products. High-level talks are moving forward on Nepal’s exporting excess hydropower to Bangladesh, which is in dire need of energy. Although large-scale transmission is still a way off, its effective deployment would have a big impact on Bangladesh’s industrial economy and national energy prices. Forty megawatts of hydropower now flows from Nepal into Bangladesh via the Indian grid (mid-June to mid-November) after the first-ever trilateral power-sales deal involving Nepal, Bangladesh and India was signed in October 2024. Larger projects such as the 1,040MW Upper Arun hydropower facility and the the 683MW Sunkoshi III have been made possible by this pilot, which promises affordable, clean energy import for about $0.05–0.07 per kWh. Furthermore, Bangladesh and Nepal have recently iterated their commitment to enhancing cross-border tourism and fostering interpersonal connections during the Nepal-Bangladesh Tourism Meet on June 20.Bangladesh-themed souvenirs

Mongla’s renaissance

THE most visible local impact is concentrated around the Mongla port in the Khulna division. Once running below capacity, Mongla now experiences a renaissance driven significantly by Nepal-bound and Nepal-originating cargoes. Port authorities reported a 35 per cent increase in direct and indirect employment in the past 18 months. Local logistics companies servicing the Nepal corridor are expanding their fleets and work force. Increased trade volume has spurred investment in port infrastructure upgrade and private warehouses and container yards sprouting up in surrounding areas. Hotels, eateries and other service providers catering to the influx of Nepali and Bangladeshi traders and transport crew are thriving in Mongla and nearby Khulna city. The city is evolving into a key logistics hub for handling Nepal-bound goods. Transport companies report a steady increase in demand for trucks moving goods between Chattogram/Mongla and the Indian border crossings at Banglabandha (for railway) and Burimari (for road), destined for Nepal.

Model for regional co-op

THE Nepal-Bangladesh trade tale, which is still evolving, is an interesting case study in overcoming geographical obstacles through diplomacy and economic pragmatism. Local economic benefits for Bangladesh, particularly the regeneration of the Mongla and southern regions, job creation and varied markets provide visible confirmation of the partnership’s usefulness. This collaboration proves that even in the complex South Asian landscape, mutually beneficial business collaboration can thrive. The focus must now shift to eliminating the remaining barriers to realise its full potential for both countries, particularly for the communities directly involved in making trade a reality.Bangladesh-themed souvenirs

The trade route between Nepal and Bangladesh is no longer a line on a map. It is transforming into a vital artery that pumps economic life into local communities, demonstrating that cross-border collaboration may bring very local benefits.

Imran Hossain is a lecturer in business administration at Rabindra Maitree University, Kushtia.​

 

[Saif]

Nepal foreign minister calls on chief adviser

Earlier, he joined the funeral of Khaleda Zia

www.thedailystar.net

Nepal foreign minister calls on chief adviser
Earlier, he joined the funeral of Khaleda Zia

Photo: CA's Press Wing


Nepal's Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma today called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka, according to the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.


Earlier, he joined the funeral of three-time former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on behalf of his government.

Bala Nanda arrived in Dhaka on Tuesday night to attend the state funeral of Khaleda Zia.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka, Kathmandu set 3-month deadline to finalise PTA

Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to finalise the draft text, rules of origin and product lists of the proposed preferential trade agreement (PTA) within the next three months, aiming to inject fresh momentum into bilateral trade, according to a press statement. The decision was taken at the 8th

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Dhaka, Kathmandu set 3-month deadline to finalise PTA

FE REPORT

Published :
Jan 16, 2026 10:28
Updated :
Jan 16, 2026 10:28

Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to finalise the draft text, rules of origin and product lists of the proposed preferential trade agreement (PTA) within the next three months, aiming to inject fresh momentum into bilateral trade, according to a press statement.

The decision was taken at the 8th Commerce Secretary-level Meeting (CSLM) held at InterContinental Dhaka on January 13-14.

The Bangladesh delegation was led by Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, while the Nepalese side was headed by Commerce Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire.

Finalising the PTA emerged as a central focus of the two-day talks, with both sides stressing the urgency of completing the "request list" and "offer list" of products.

Bangladesh proposed a phased approach to implementation, suggesting that the PTA be launched initially with a limited number of products and gradually expanded based on outcomes and readiness.

To keep negotiations on track, the two countries agreed to convene a meeting of the Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) within the next 90 days to complete the remaining technical work, including finalising the draft PTA text, rules of origin and product schedules.

Beyond the PTA, the meeting covered a wide range of trade facilitation and connectivity issues aimed at easing bottlenecks and lowering the cost of doing business.

The two sides held detailed discussions on reducing tariff, para-tariff and non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to facilitate smoother bilateral trade flows.

Both commerce secretaries underscored the need for faster development of port infrastructure, expansion of railway connectivity and simplification of customs procedures to make transit arrangements more efficient and predictable.

Simplifying cross-border payment systems was also highlighted as a priority to ensure secure, reliable and seamless transactions for traders in both countries.

The talks placed significant emphasis on the potential for Bangladesh-Nepal-India trilateral cooperation, particularly in energy cooperation and transit connectivity, to strengthen regional integration and trade.

Recognising the importance of people-to-people links, the two sides agreed to streamline visa procedures, including business visas, professional visas for workers and their families, and tourism visas, to boost trade, investment and tourism.

The meeting also agreed to strengthen cooperation on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and technical barriers to trade (TBT) through closer coordination between relevant agencies, harmonisation of standards and simplified testing procedures.

As both countries prepare for graduation from least developed country (LDC) status, they agreed to exchange experiences to ensure sustainable post-graduation development, while enhancing MSME cooperation and B2B engagement through regular trade fairs and exhibitions.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold the 9th Commerce Secretary-level Meeting in Nepal at a mutually convenient time.​