Tourism Trade Prospects between Nepal, Bangladesh and Maldives

On Monday, 20th November 2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized the importance of collaboration among Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Maldives to boost tourism for mutual benefits. She made these remarks during a meeting with the outgoing Maldives High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Shiruzimath Sameer, at her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka. PM's press secretary Ihsanul Karim later confirmed that tourism was discussed in the meeting.

Sheikh Hasina also extended her regards to the newly-elected Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu. The Maldivian envoy highlighted Bangladesh's vast potential in tourism, especially in Cox's Bazar, which boasts the world's longest sandy sea beach. The Bangladesh Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives, stating that they have significantly impacted both nations' economies.

Discussing Nepal-Bangladesh relations, diplomatic ties between the two countries were established on April 8, 1972. The relationship is based on goodwill, mutual understanding, and cooperation, with Nepal being the seventh country to recognize Bangladesh by establishing diplomatic relations in 1972.

Nepal and Bangladesh collaborate closely on common-interest issues and share similar views at various regional and international platforms such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and the United Nations. There is immense potential for broadening and diversifying trade between both countries. Main exports from Nepal to Bangladesh include vegetables, lentils, oil seeds, fruits, miscellaneous grains, and medicinal plants while imports consist of fruit juices, paper and paperboard products, jute items and textiles materials among others.

Since the opening of the Kakarbhitta-Phulbari-Banglabandha transit route in 1997, Bangladesh has allowed Nepal to access port facilities in Mongla. Additionally, a rail transit corridor has been provided via Rohanpur (Bangladesh) and Singhabad (India). An Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion respecting Taxes on Income was signed between Nepal and Bangladesh on March 5, 2019.

The Government of Bangladesh offers seats for Nepali students in medicine and engineering annually. Furthermore, numerous Nepali students pursue higher studies in medical, dental science, and engineering fields in various educational institutions across Bangladesh.

Similarly, diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Maldives were established on August 1, 1980. The relationship is characterized by goodwill, cooperation, and mutual understanding, further enhanced by exchanging visits at different levels. As founding members of SAARC, Nepal and the Maldives contribute significantly to regional cooperation in South Asia's institutionalization process. They also share similar perspectives on many international issues and collaborate closely at various global forums.

Tourism and trade present considerable potential for mutual benefits between Nepal and the Maldives. According to the Department of Immigration of the Government of Nepal, 1,136 tourists from the Maldives visited Nepal in 2019. It is also essential for both countries to improve connectivity between Kathmandu and Male.

Major exports from Nepal to the Maldives in 2019 comprised textile products and materials; while major imports included natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, gold, electrical machinery, and parts among others.

Currently, over five thousand Nepalis work in various sectors in the Maldives. This number includes Nepali medical doctors, nurses, and engineers providing services. The Agreement on Academic Cooperation between Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine and the Ministry of Health Republic of Maldives was signed on August 27, 2015, to enhance bilateral cooperation in education. Consequently, students from the Maldives now pursue higher studies in Nepal, primarily in MBBS and Nursing programs.