Bangladesh, Nepal discuss trade, education and regional cooperation

Bangladesh and Nepal have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, education and local governance, with Bangladesh expressing readiness to support Nepal in rebuilding areas devastated by recent floods.

The issues came up when Nepal's Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanashyam Bhandari called on Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan at his office at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various issues of bilateral and mutual interest and expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the future.

The Nepalese ambassador said the two countries shared many similarities in their political, cultural, natural and economic conditions.

Highlighting opportunities for educational cooperation, he said more than 2,500 Nepalese students were currently studying medicine in Bangladesh, adding that opportunities for collaboration in the sector could be expanded further.

Bhandari also briefed the minister on the severe floods that had recently hit Nepal, saying around $5 billion would be required to rebuild the affected areas. He sought Bangladesh's overall assistance for the reconstruction efforts.

In response, Abdul Moyeen Khan described Nepal as a trusted and longstanding friend of Bangladesh, assuring the ambassador that Bangladesh stood by Nepal and would provide all possible assistance when needed.

Emphasising the importance of regional cooperation, the minister sought Nepal's support for reactivating and revitalising the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

He said regional countries could achieve their common goals more effectively if they spoke collectively on important issues, including trade and climate change, at international forums rather than acting individually.

The minister also called for increasing bilateral trade through regional and bilateral agreements, highlighting the potential benefits for both countries.

He said greater regional trade would give neighbouring countries comparative advantages, significantly reduce transportation costs and help ensure fair prices for goods. This, in turn, would increase people's real incomes and improve their living standards, he added.

He further said working together as bilateral and regional partners in trade would make it easier for the two countries to protect their domestic industries and economies.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further strengthening and diversifying relations between Bangladesh and Nepal.