Nepal – Bangladesh agree to promote cooperation in trade and commerce

The Third Round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between Nepal and Bangladesh concluded in Kathmandu on Wednesday. During the FOC, Nepali delegation was led by Ms. Sewa Lamsal, Foreign Secretary, while Bangladesh delegation was led by Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Masud Bin Momen.

During the meeting, the whole gamut of bilateral relations was reviewed, according to a Foreign Ministry press release. “Both the Foreign Secretaries expressed satisfaction on the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Nepal and Bangladesh.” They discussed all the major issues of mutual interests and agreed to promote cooperation encompassing all sectors, especially trade and commerce, transit and connectivity, power and energy sector, tourism, culture and education, the press release said. Both Foreign Secretaries emphasized the operationalization of the BBIN MVA framework to contribute to the individual country’s economy not only by expanding trade and connectivity, but also by creating more opportunity to promote people-to-people contacts.

Foreign Secretary Ms. Sewa Lamsal underscored the exploration of the untapped potential in economic, cultural and educational areas and proposed to establish meaningful collaborative partnership including in the private sector. She urged Bangladeshi side to explore investment opportunities in Nepal including in hydropower sector. Foreign Secretary Lamsal also requested the Government of Bangladesh to eliminate the existing Other Duties and Charges (ODCs) levied on Nepali products being exported to Bangladesh. Nepali Foreign Secretary emphasized the exchange of visits at different levels.” Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Momen emphasized the expeditious conclusion of tripartite power agreement among Bangladesh-India-Nepal soon, which will help Bangladesh to import power from Nepal, according to the press release. The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary thanked Government of Nepal for allocating land for the construction of a Monastery in Lumbini.

It would be a milestone in our relations and enhance people-to-people contacts between Bangladesh and Nepal in the days ahead, he pointed out. “Both Foreign Secretaries discussed regional issues of mutual interest. They also underscored the necessity of revitalizing SAARC and strengthening BIMSTEC for promoting regional cooperation.” Both Foreign Secretaries also agreed to cooperate with each other at various multilateral forums, especially at the UN to pursue common interests especially in the areas of LDC graduation, poverty alleviation, climate change and safety and security of migrant workers, according to the press release.

An MoU between the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh was also signed by the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries.

The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Momen paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar. “On the occasion, discussions were held on issues of mutual interest between Nepal and Bangladesh.”