|
 |
Nepal-Spain Relations
Relations between Nepal and Spain have always remained cordial and friendly since
the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on May 13,
1968. The Embassy of Nepal in France is concurrently accredited to Spain and residential
Embassy of Spain in New Delhi is concurrently accredited to Nepal. Spain has opened
its Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu. The similarities of monarchical institutions,
democratic system of governance and exchange of visits at various levels have
brought the relations between the two countries closer.
In the 1980s, bilateral relations between the two countries reached a new height. Late Their Majesties King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah paid a State Visit to Spain in September 22-24, 1983. During Their Majesties State Visit to Spain, a Cultural Agreement was signed between the two countries. This visit paved the way for more meaningful ties between the two countries. The then Spanish Minister for Transport, Tourism and Communications Mr. Enrique Baron Crespo visited Nepal in October, 1983 and discussed with Nepalese officials on possibilities of expanding the areas of cooperation. Some Spanish experts also visited Nepal in 1984.
At the invitation of late Their Majesties King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, Their Majesties King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia paid a State Visit to Nepal from November 22-25, 1987. During the visit Their Majesties were accompanied by Francisco Fernandez Ordonez, Minister for Foreign Affairs and other senior officials of Spain.
Tourism
A significant number of tourists arrive in Nepal from Spain each year. The following figures show the tourist arrivals from Spain in the past few years.
| Year |
Number |
| 2001 |
5,897 |
| 2002 |
5,267 |
| 2003 |
8,265 |
| 2004 |
11,767 |
Trade
During recent years there has been remarkable growth in the trade volumes between the two countries. The following figures reflect Nepal’s exports to and imports from Spain in the past four years.
Nepal's Trade Balance (Nepalese Rs in million.)
| Year |
Export |
Import |
Balance |
| 2000/2001 |
187.84 |
126.63 |
+ 61.21 |
| 2001/2002 |
154.36 |
106.31 |
+ 48.05 |
| 2002/2003 |
200.14 |
148.71 |
+ 51.43 |
| 2003/2004 |
206.01 |
156.79 |
+ 49.22 |
The major export goods to Spain are goatskin, incense sticks, leather goods, woolen carpets, handicrafts, garments, Nepalese paper and paper products. Likewise, Nepal's import from Spain consists of chemicals, synthetic, woolen & polyester blanket, electrical goods, kitchen equipment.
Europe America Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Government of Nepal
Last updated on April 3, 2006
Back to Bilateral Relations
|
|
|
