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Nepal-Australia Relations
Nepal and Australia celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2010. Nepal’s relationship with Australia predates the establishment of diplomatic links in 1960. Over the years, the Australian Government and private sector have contributed to the economic and social development of Nepal through assistance in the fields of health, education, hydroelectricity, sustainable management of forest, civil aviation, and livestock management.
Though Nepal and Australia established Diplomatic Relation on 15 February 1960, Australia established its Embassy in Kathmandu in 1984 and Nepalese Embassy was opened in Canberra in 2007.
Exchange of visits
From Nepalese Side
- Late King Mahendra and former Queen Ratna of Nepal paid a State Visit to Australia in 1971.
- Late King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya paid a State Visit to Australia in September 1985.
- Late King Birendra and his wife (then Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess) paid a visit to ‘World Expo ‘88’ held in Brisbane to grace the Nepal Day Celebration in September 1988.
- Late Crown Prince, Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah visited Australia during the Summer Olympic Games which was held in Sydney from September 10 to October 02, 2000.
- Former Prime Minister Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba visited Australia in February 2000
- A Nepalese Parliamentary delegation led by the Rt. Hon. Speaker Mr. Tara Nath Rana Bhat visited Australia in March 2000.
- Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan MP, visited Nepal from 25-27 April 2010 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia.
- Australia's Governor General John Kerr visited Nepal in 1975 to attend the auspicious Coronation Ceremony of late King Birendra.
- The then Foreign Minister of Australia Bill Hayden visited Nepal in May 1985.
Development Cooperation FY 2007/08 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 Export Import Balance Export Import Balance Export Import Balance 175,860 1,750,986 -1,575,126 422,743 2,283,158 -1,860,415 333,140 4,950,297 -4,617,157 Year January-November 2008 2009 2010 2010 2011 11,989 13,327 14,211 12,724 14,477 FY 2008/09 FY 2009/10 FY 2010/11 Total Investment upto now Investment Ind. Jobs Investment Ind. Jobs Investment Ind. Jobs NA NA NA 26.05 5 124 38.40 18 369 395.22
Australia's development cooperation program in Nepal began in the 1960s. Australia will provide an estimated $26.6 million in total official development assistance to Nepal in 2011-12 focusing on health, education and strengthening governance and peace-building. Australia funded through international financial institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Australia continues to provide cooperation to Nepal in the fields of Forestry, Livestock Development and Manpower Training.
Technical Cooperation
A number of Nepalese high officials go to Australia to get training and higher studies under scholarships.
Economic Relations
Two-way merchandise trade in 2010-11 totaled Rs. 1360 million with imports from Australia to Nepal valued at Rs. 1060 million.
Trade Relations
Nepal exports clothing, floor covering, carpet, cotton dress, paintings and pastels to Australia and imports refined petroleum and vegetables. There is growing volume of trade with Australia which occurs in trade deficit to Nepal.
Tourism
Nepal continues to be a country of attraction for Australian tourists. The arrival figure of Australian tourists in Nepal for the last three years is as follows:
Foreign Direct Investment
Australia has also invested in 34 different industries, service sectors and other fields amounting to Rs. 395.22 Million which generates 974 job opportunities. Foreign Direct Investment invested by Australia in Nepal stands as follows:
Dynasty Aviation Private Ltd is operating helicopter services with an Australian investment capital of Rs. 56.82 million. Department of Electricity has recommended a license to Australian company Pacific Hydro Ltd to conduct survey of the 51 megawatt Likhu-4 hydro-electricity project.
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Hon. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
Narayan Kaji Shrestha 'Prakash'
Foreign Secretary
Durga Prasad Bhattarai
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Diplomatic Code of Conduct 2011
Kutnitik Aachaar Sanhita, 2068 Diplomatic List 2011