Thailand and Nepal have agreed to increase bilateral trade and investment, especially in the fields of agriculture, herbal processing, medical services, and tourism.

The issue was discussed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and the visiting Right Honorable Mr. K. P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, on 2 April 2025 at Government House in Bangkok. The Prime Minister of Nepal and his spouse are paying an official visit to Thailand from 1 to 5 April 2025, and the Prime Minister of Nepal is scheduled to attend the sixth BIMSTEC Summit hosted by Thailand in 4 April.

In her press statement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn said that Thailand and Nepal discussed the importance of promoting ease of doing business, reducing trade barriers and identifying each other’s comparative advantages. Given their potential to increase trade volume beyond the current 40 million USD, these measures could boost trade and investment, encouraging more Thai businesses to enter and invest in Nepal’s market with confidence.

She emphasized the importance of connectivity, which is key to economic growth. Both countries welcomed the role of Thai airlines in connecting the two peoples through more frequent operations, the resumption and launch of new direct flights from Bangkok to Kathmandu and expansion to Lumbini.

Both sides recognize the importance of people-to-people contact through cultural and tourism cooperation. They welcome the positive growth in tourist numbers between the two countries and aim to further enhance collaboration, particularly in spiritual and medical tourism or a joint tourism campaign. Additionally, Thailand and Nepal acknowledge the contributions of the Thai private sector, including hotel, hospital, and airline businesses, to Nepal’s service sector and tourism industry.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Paetongtarn and the Prime Minister of Nepal witnessed the signing of eight important documents, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the areas of tourism, culture, trade, industry, medicine, agriculture, and academia.

The Thai Prime Minister also spoke highly of Nepal’s ability to effectively manage its vast water resources, turning them into solid hydropower projects, which contribute significantly to its economic growth. She expressed her appreciation to Nepal for supporting Thailand’s chairmanship of BIMSTEC. With continued solidarity among BIMSTEC Member States, they will work together to ensure that BIMSTEC remains a meaningful and relevant organization.