 December 2023Mr. Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Nepal Minister for Energy, inaugurated the Kushma-Butwal power transmission line along the Kaligandaki corridor. The 90-kilometer, 220-kilovolt transmission line is expected to facilitate stable power supply for the districts of Nawalparasi and Rupandehi in Nepal. It was funded by an investment from the Government of Nepal, the Nepal Electric Authority, and the Asian Development Bank through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, ADB, SASEC |
 November 2023ADB under the SASEC program has invested more than $15 billion in the priority sectors of transport, energy, trade facilitation, economic corridor development, and ICT as of 2020. To fully realize BBIN's potential, countries must also invest in regulatory reform in logistics services. This is an excerpt of an article that appears on the Tatsat Chronicle. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, Regional Trade |
 October 2023From mid-July to mid-October 2023, Nepal’s electricity export to India reached NPR9.64 billion (approximately $72.2 million). Electricity export has helped reduce Nepal’s trade deficit with India and increased the country’s foreign exchange reserves, according to the Nepal Electricity Authority. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Hydropower, India |
 October 2023Construction of transmission lines along the Kali Gandaki Corridor was successfully completed. The 220-kV double circuit transmission line is expected to contribute to improving Nepal’s national electricity grid system. The project was financed by the Asian Development Bank, under the SASEC Power System Expansion Project. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy |
 September 2023India has allowed Nepal to sell electricity in its real-time energy market. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Central Electricity Authority of India has allowed the trading of 44 MW of electricity generated from the 19.4 MW Lower Modi and 24.25 MW Kabeli B-1 hydropower projects in the real-time market. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 September 2023India and Nepal signed an agreement for the cross-border QR payment service at the Global Fintech Fest 2023, a global gathering of fintech visionaries, thought leaders and innovators. The collaboration promises to empower millions of consumers and merchants from both countries to securely and conveniently transact through QR codes. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, ICT, Digital |
 September 2023The long-term electricity trade agreement between the Governments of India and Nepal has formally received approval from the Council of Ministers of India. This paves the way for Nepal to export up to 10,000 megawatts of electricity to Nepal over a period of 10 years. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 August 2023The Governments of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal have agreed in principle to allow the supply of electricity to Bangladesh from Nepal via India’s transmission line. A formal agreement among the three nations will be signed soon, according to Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) officials. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Energy |
 August 2023India’s Ministry of Railways is working on five mega rail projects that will make adjacent borders along Nepal and Bangladesh and certain areas between Bangladesh and Nepal accessible by rail. These rail line projects are Balurghat (India)–Hili (Bangladesh), a new line in West Bengal and bordering with Bangladesh; Jogbani (India)–Bratnagar (Nepal), Agartala (India)–Akhaura (Bangladesh), Mahisasan (India-Zero point, Bangladesh) and the Jainagar (India)–Bijalpura (Nepal). Read More Tags: Rail, Bangladesh, India, Nepal |
 August 2023The new Nepal Trade Integration Strategy (NTIS) 2023 expands the list of promising export products and services from Nepal to 32, from 12 in the NTIS 2016. Implemented in July, the new products in the latest trade strategy include electricity in the service export category. NTIS 2023 aims to increase the country’s trade-to-GDP ratio to 55% by 2026. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade, Trade Facilitation |
 July 2023The fourth meeting of experts from India and Nepal on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project have agreed to move forward and finalize the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the 6,480 MW project in Nepal. The project is part of the Mahakali treaty signed by the two countries in February 1996. The project aims to generate power, provide irrigation, and mitigate flooding. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Electricity, Energy |
 July 2023The second phase of the Jaynagar (India)-Bijalpura (Nepal)-Bardibas (Nepal) cross-border rail line project, the Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section, became operational on 16 July 2023. The rail section covers a total of 17.3 km. A total of five stations are found on this route–Kurtha, Pipradi, Loharpatti, Singyahi, and Bijalpura. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Transport |
 July 2023The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to sign a long-term power sale agreement that will run for 25 years, according to Mr. Kul Man Ghising, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited of India, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), are set to sign a tripartite agreement allowing the export of power from Nepal to Bangladesh using Indian territory. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Electricity, Energy |
June 2023 The trilateral power deal being discussed among the Governments of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal is expected to be signed soon. The three-way agreement among the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVN) of India, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), aims to enable Nepal to export an initial capacity of around 40 megawatts of power to Bangladesh via India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Energy |
 June 2023ADB approved a project loan to support continuing reforms in Nepal customs. The financing assistance worth $50 million will enhance policy reforms in customs and logistics to help boost the country’s domestic and international trade. The program will help implement the Government of Nepal’s Customs Reform and Modernization Plan 2021-2026 and improve the country's trade logistics through the preparation and implementation of a new Trade Logistics Policy 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Customs |
 June 2023The India–European Union (EU) Connectivity Conference held in Meghalaya explored connectivity investments and identified potential projects for implementation in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India’s northeastern region, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, European Union |
 June 2023India and Nepal have signed new agreements for hydropower, power trading, and trade and transit. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on 1 June 2023 during a visit to India by Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Hydropower, Trade, Rail Transport |
 May 2023ADB approved a project loan to support upgrading work on the East–West Highway, which is part of the SASEC corridor. According to Ms. Sin Wai Chong, Transport Specialist for South Asia, ADB, the project will strengthen border trade and logistics, and will improve the lives of rural communities. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Bangladesh, SASEC, Road, ADB, South Asia |
 May 2023The fifth Bangladesh-Nepal joint steering committee (JSC) meeting on energy cooperation discussed greater bilateral cooperation in the power sector. Both countries agreed to undertake efforts to sign a tripartite agreement with India that would enable Nepal to export 40 MW of power to Bangladesh as early as the upcoming wet season (June-November) using the existing transmission infrastructure of the three countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy |
 April 2023The SASEC Highway Improvement Project was recognized for excellence in project management, gender and social inclusion, and environmental and social safeguards monitoring alongside other ADB projects by the Government of Nepal. Also awarded were Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, Bagmati River Basin Improvement Project-Additional Financing, Rural Enterprise Financing Project, and Power Transmission and Distribution Efficiency Enhancement. Read More Tags: SASEC, Nepal, ADB, Road, South Asia, Energy |
 April 2023The Governments of India and Nepal have agreed to allow Indian tourists in Nepal to make digital payments using Indian e-wallets. Mr. Naveen Srivastava, India’s Ambassador to Nepal, stated that the proposed agreement would help boost Nepal’s travel and tourism industry. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Tourism |
 April 2023Watch the video about how the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project creates economic opportunities to help provide access to social services. The project, committed in 2011, has expanded roads and gave rural communities access to one of Nepal's major trade corridors. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Road, SASEC, South Asia |
 March 2023The Governments of India and Nepal held the 14th meeting of the bilateral Power Exchange Committee on 17 March 2023. The meeting agreed to enable Nepal to export power to multiple Indian states through the transmission infrastructure in Bihar (India). A modality will be formulated in this regard. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 March 2023Road development is fundamental to boosting economic activity in Nepal and is a key element for strengthening growth and social inclusion. This case study undertaken by ADB looks at the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project and how it is improving access to goods and services, facilitating trade and cooperation, creating opportunities for small business owners, and empowering women in rural communities. Read More Tags: Road Transport, Nepal, ADB, Trade |
 March 2023Mr. AK Abdul Momen, Foreign Minister of the Government of Bangladesh, proposed exploring the possibilities of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal to increase bilateral trade. He noted that there is a huge potential for mutual cooperation between the two countries in areas including energy, tourism, education, migration, and connectivity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
February 2023 The Governments of India and Nepal held the 10th joint steering committee meeting of Nepal-India Energy Secretary-level. Discussions were held on important issues including expanding existing, under-construction, and proposed transmission lines. India has also responded positively to Nepal's request to allow export of 50 MW of electricity to Bangladesh via India as per export-import guidelines if a specific proposal is submitted. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Bangladesh |
 January 2023A special tour will be operated by the Indian Railways showcasing pilgrimage sites in Ayodhya, India, and Janakpur, Nepal, in February. The "Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” is an initiative that will strengthen bilateral relations and promote cultural relations between India and Nepal, according to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Railways. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Tourism, Transport |
January 2023 Bangladesh has opened its Banglabandha Land Port for the import of acrylic yarn from Nepal, ending a 17-year-long restriction. A statutory regulatory order was issued by Bangladesh's National Board of Revenue on the matter. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Trade |
 January 2023A bilateral meeting on electricity cooperation was held between Bangladesh and India. The meeting discussed the continued growth of Bangladesh's power sector and increasing demand for electricity in the country. Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of the Government of Bangladesh, sought Indian cooperation to allow Bangladesh to import hydropower from Bhutan and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Energy |
 January 2023The Government of Bangladesh plans to upgrade its northernmost airport, the Saidpur airport in Nilphamari, into an international airport. Saidpur airport can be a key transit point to boost connectivity between Bangladesh and its BIN neighbors—Bhutan, India’s northeastern region, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Airports, Air Transport, Transport |
 November 2022The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) plans to further expand and strengthen the country's transmission and distribution system to make the country's electricity supply smooth and reliable, increase domestic consumption, and promote the export of surplus power to Bangladesh and India. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy |
 October 2022India’s Central Electricity Authority granted the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) approval to export an additional 22 megawatts of power produced by the Chilime Hydropower Company. Mr. Suresh Bahadur Bhattarai, Spokesperson of NEA, confirmed the approval obtained on 31 October 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 October 2022Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of the Government of Nepal to the Government of Bangladesh, noted when he met Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that Nepal will initially supply 40-50 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bangladesh. Nepal will increase the supply further upon completion of the 900 MW Upper Karnali hydropower project. Read More Tags: Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Energy |
 September 2022The Governments of Bhutan and Nepal expressed gratitude and appreciation for the Government of India at the United Nations General Assembly for the supply of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines under the "Vaccine Maitri.” Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Health |
 September 2022The 9th meeting of the Joint Committee on Water Resources between the Governments of India and Nepal have agreed to move forward with the Sapta Kosi high dam project by conducting further studies. The joint team of experts is expected to convene soon. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Hydropower, Energy |
 September 2022Bangladesh has implemented at least five projects under the SASEC program that will help landlocked Bhutan and Nepal gain access to sea ports. These projects are financed through the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade, Transport |
 August 2022National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) and the PTC India Limited (formerly Power Trading Corporation of India Limited) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the sale of power to be generated from Nepal’s West Seti and Seti River-6 Projects in Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 August 2022Officials of the Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal attended a luncheon hosted by Mr. Md Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh. The event emphasized increasing collaboration between Bangladesh and Nepal in sectors such as hydropower, tourism, connectivity, trade, and people-to-people linkages. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Trade, Tourism |
 August 2022Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated her offer of access to Bangladesh’s Chittagong and Mongla seaports and Syedpur airport to the people of Nepal during a courtesy call by a Nepal parliamentary delegation. Read More Tags: Ports, Bangladesh, Nepal, Connectivity |
 July 2022The potential of the Siliguri corridor and its surroundings to be developed as a logistics hub for India’s northeastern region, and Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, was emphasized by the CII at Logi Connect 2022. Developing Siliguri as a logistic hub would facilitate movement of goods to other states of India and its neighboring countries. Read More Tags: Logistics, Act East Policy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Transit, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 July 2022Bangladesh aims to invest in Nepal’s Sunkoshi III hydropower project, according to Bangladesh's Ambassador to Nepal, Mr. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury. The planned project will have a capacity of 683 megawatts and will be established in Lubughat, Khadadevi. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Hydropower, Energy |
 July 2022Regional forums such as South Asia Forum for Infrastructure Regulation, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, and South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation bring together stakeholders and more local or regional institutions are needed to gain optimal benefit from regional cooperation. This commentary appears on the Dhaka Tribune. Read More Tags: Energy, SASEC, SAARC, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
June 2022 Nepal now sells a total of 364 megawatts (MW) of electricity to India through the Indian Energy Exchange Limited (IEX). Nepal started exporting an additional 144 MW of electricity to India generated by the Kaligandaki hydropower plant on 5 June 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 June 2022The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) inaugurated the new National Food Laboratory (NFL) in Raxaul, Bihar, on 5 June 2022. The facility is equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure, capable of testing food samples exported from both India and Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation |
 May 2022Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepal inaugurated the Gautam Buddha International Airport (GBIA), Nepal’s second international airport. The opening will contribute to the country's overall development and long-term prosperity, according to Mr. Deuba. ADB supported the Government of Nepal to build and upgrade the GBIA through the Asia Tourism Infrastructure Development Project. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Airports, Air Transport |
 May 2022The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal and the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka jointly organized a webinar among the Nepal Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MOEWRI) and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and around 30 hydropower companies from Sri Lanka. Read More Tags: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Energy, Investment |
 May 2022The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is preparing a proposal to construct a 400-kilovolt transmission line along the Postal Highway. The proposed transmission line could be an alternative to the 400kV transmission line being built along the East-West Highway. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, India, BBIN |
April 2022 A bilateral meeting between Bangladesh and Nepal discussed the finalization of the process of importing hydropower from Nepal to Bangladesh. Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of the Government of Bangladesh, stated that Bangladesh can import surplus electricity from Nepal during the summer and monsoon seasons. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Electricity |
 April 2022The railway service between India and Nepal for passengers, the Janakpur (Nepal) -- Jayanagar (India) railway service, was inaugurated by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on 3 April 2022 at a videoconferencing event in New Delhi, India. This is Nepal’s first broad gauge rail service. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Transport |
 March 2022Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of Nepal's Gautam Buddha International Airport is nearly complete. The linked article by Binita Shah Khadka, with original photos by Madhup Shrestha, was posted by the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Transport, SASEC |
March 2022 Construction of the Mainahiya (Rupandehi, Nepal)–Sampatiya (Uttar Pradesh, India) 132 kiloVolt transmission line has achieved 60% progress, noted the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). This transmission line is important to facilitate electricity trade between India and Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 February 2022The Governments of India and Nepal held the 9th Joint Working Group and Joint Steering Committee meetings on bilateral power sector cooperation. The meeting discussions focused on joint development of power generation projects in Nepal; joint development of cross-border power transmission infrastructure; power trade; and capacity building assistance. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 February 2022Mr. Arnaud Cauchois, ADB country director for Nepal, visited the Narayanghat-Butwal section of the SASEC Road Improvement Project to observe the status of the construction on 14–15 February 2022. Mr. Cauchois, joined by Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal, project director for ADB, and staff members from the Department of Roads, visited four bridge construction sites, crushing plant sites, a concrete batching plant site, and labor and contractor camp sites. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, SASEC, Road, Transport |
 February 2022The Governments of India and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build a bridge over Mahakali River with grant assistance from the Government of India. The planned 110-meter bridge will connect Dharchula (Uttarakhand, India) with Darchula (Sudurpaschim, Nepal). Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport |
 January 2022Nepal’s Ministry of Finance launched the e-payment system for customs duty on the 70th International Customs Day. The system enables traders to pay their customs duty online. According to Mr. Janardan Sharma, Minister for Finance of the Government of Nepal, this will facilitate the collection of revenues. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade Facilitation |
December 2021 The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Nepal Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) signed a memorandum of cooperation. Mr. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Commerce Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh, spoke as the chief guest. In his remarks, he noted that the Preferential Trade Agreement between Bangladesh and Nepal is in the final stage. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Trade Facilitation |
 November 2021The Central Electricity Authority of the Government of India gave Nepal the go-ahead to to sell its electricity in India’s power exchange market, the India Energy Exchange Limited, upon the approval of India’s Ministry of Power. Nepal is permitted to sell 39 megawatts (MW) of electricity produced by the 24MW Trishuli Hydropower Project and the 15MW Devighat Hydropower Project. Both projects were developed with Indian assistance. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Electricity |
 October 2021The Government of India financed the gauge conversion of the Jaynagar (India)-Kurtha (Nepal) cross-border rail link from narrow gauge to broad gauge. On 23 October 2021, India handed over the completed section totaling 34.9 kilometer to Nepal. Read More Tags: Rail, Transport, India, Nepal |
September 2021 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is supporting the Electricity Grid Modernization Project through an additional $60 million loan to upgrade power transmission and distribution systems in Nepal. The project will help Nepal reach its electricity consumption target of 700 kilowatt hours per capita by 2026, according to Mr. Jiwan Acharya, Principal Energy Specialist for South Asia, ADB. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 August 2021The Ministry of Finance of the Government of Nepal launched the Sixth Customs Reform and Modernization Plan. It emphasizes (i) trade facilitation, (ii) realistic revenue collection, (iii) protection and security of society, (iv) automated customs system, and (v) organizational development and capacity building. Read More Tags: Nepal, Customs, Trade Facilitation |
 July 2021A 132-kilovolt (kV) Samundratar-Trishuli transmission line and a 132/33-kV Samundratar substation under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program were inaugurated by Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The 25.74-kilometer transmission line will be able to transmit up to 270 megawatts of electricity. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC |
 June 2021A Letter of Exchange for the revision of the Railway Service Agreement between Nepal and India proposes to allow all authorized private container train operators from India and Nepal to utilize the Indian Railway network to transport freight containers for Nepal's imports or exports, and transport goods to and/or from other border points besides Raxaul (India)/Birgunj (Nepal). Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport, Rail, Trade Facilitation, Transit Facilitation |
June 2021 Bangladesh will import around 700 megawatts of hydropower from Nepal to meet its future electricity demand. The country is set to sign an agreement with Nepal for the hydropower import. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
May 2021 The small hydropower plant at Chandannath Municipality in Nepal's Jumla District was rehabilitated with financial assistance from the Government of India. The plant was virtually inaugurated by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Nepal, the District Coordination Committee of Jumla, and the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) on 5 May. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Nepal, India, Energy |
March 2021 The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) awarded GE Renewable Energy's Grid Solutions business the contract to upgrade three gas insulated substations (GIS) from 220 kilovolt (KV) to 400 KV. These are critical components of the Nepal SASEC Power Transmission and Distribution Project. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC, ADB |
 March 2021The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strengthening Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Cooperation on 22 March 2021. SPS, as well as technical barriers to trade (TBT), serves as critical nontariff measures that constrain trade in the SASEC subregion. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BBIN, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary |
 March 2021South Asia needs an integrated energy grid to reduce transmission cost and promote regional economic development, said Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India. The subregion should bring together buyers and sellers and harmonize regulatory frameworks to harness the potential of the power trade, he added. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Hydropower, Energy, Regional Cooperation |
 February 2021The Dhakelbar substation came online on 1 February 2021. The 400-kilovolt substation enables the state-owned Nepal Electricity Authority to exchange 1,000 to 1,200 megawatts of electricity with India via the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line. Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said the infrastructure will serve as the main gateway to import and export electricity to India. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 February 2021On 7 June 2017, the Governments of Nepal and India signed a Memorandum of Intent bilaterally agreeing to launch a pilot project to facilitate transit traffic by using Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Mr. Rubal Jain from the Indian private sector discusses the benefits of ECTS since its implementation. This piece originally appeared on the Annapurna Express. Read More Tags: ADB, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Nepal, India |
January 2021 The Government of India has agreed to sell an additional 100 megawatt of electricity to Nepal. Nepal already imports 250 MW of electricity from India through this transmission line. The new provision increases Nepal’s allowable electricity import from India to up to 800 MW of electricity. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Electricity |
 January 2021The Sixth Meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission highlighted the need to facilitate cross border movement of people and goods. They remarked on how the newly inaugurated integrated check post at Birgunj and Biratnagar have promoted seamless movement of people and trade between the two countries. They also welcomed the completion of the first passenger railway line between India and Nepal from Jaynagar to Kurtha. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Road |
December 2020 The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a loan agreement for a project that will modernize the country’s electric grid on 30 December 2020. The Electricity Grid Modernization Project, a $156 million concessional loan from ADB, will increase the capacity and reach of Nepal’s power distribution networks to meet current and future demands, improve reliability and quality of supply, and reduce losses. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Energy |
 December 2020The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a loan agreement for the SASEC Airport Capacity Enhancement Project. The project will improve the capacity of two major airports in Nepal, the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and the Gautam Buddha Airport (GBA) in Lumbini. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Transport, Airports |
 December 2020The governments of India and Nepal held the eighth meeting of the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on Cooperation in the Power sector on 10 December 2020 virtually. The meeting generated positive and wide-ranging discussions that are expected to further boost the expansion of power sector cooperation between India and Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy |
 December 2020The governments of India and Nepal convened a virtual meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorized Trade. They reviewed the transit treaty that covers waterways and railway services between the two countries, and agreed to amend the bilateral transit treaty to further promote trade and connectivity. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade |
November 2020 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $156 million concessional loan to modernize power transmission and distribution systems in Nepal. The Electricity Grid Modernization Project will increase the capacity and reach of power distribution networks, improve reliability of supply, and reduce losses. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy |
 October 2020A webinar organized by CUTS International on 30 October 2020 deliberated the findings of the project, ‘Gender Dimensions of Trade Facilitation in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Subregion.’ The work undertaken by CUTS reveals that the absence of gender responsive trade facilitation measures helps exacerbate gender inequality. Read More Tags: BBIN, Gender, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade |
 October 2020The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal held a secretary-level meeting virtually to negotiate a preferential trade agreement. Bangladesh has requested zero-duty benefit on the export of 140 products to Nepal. Nepal has proposed duty-free facility for 130 products. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 September 2020India's northeastern states are working to improve infrastructure and connectivity to help reduce the cost of transport and basic commodities. India's northeastern region is the country's gateway to East and Southeast Asia, and India is promoting transport and energy connectivity with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, explains Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Foreign Secretary of the Government of India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Transport, Energy |
 September 2020The Bangladesh Executive Committee of the National Economic Council has approved a road expansion program through the SASEC Road Link Project II: Elenga-Hatikamrul-Rangpur Highway Four-Lane Upgradation. The project will be part of a road network connecting Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal that would increase trade and commerce in the subregion. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Economic Corridor Development, India, Nepal, SASEC, Transport |
 August 2020The Government of Nepal and the Asian Development Bank signed a loan and grant agreement that would help improve power supply and distribution systems in Nepal. The project aligns with the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program on intraregional power trade. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 August 2020Ms. Himalee Arunatilaka, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Nepal, called on Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on 18 August in Kathmandu, Nepal. During their meeting, Prime Minister Oli noted the long history of Nepal-Sri Lanka bilateral relations and described Sri Lanka as a “very good friend of Nepal.” Read More Tags: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tourism, Trade |
 August 2020The Governments of India and Nepal held the Eighth Meeting of the Nepal-India Oversight Mechanism on 17 August 2020. The virtual meeting conducted a comprehensive review of the projects being implemented under bilateral cooperation. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Transport |
 August 2020The cabinet of the Government of Bangladesh has approved the draft addendum to the protocol to the transit agreement with the Government of Nepal. The addendum adds Rohonpur in Chapainawabganj (Bangladesh) as a railway transit entry and exit point. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Rail, Transport |
 August 2020India and Nepal can enjoy considerable benefits from cross-border energy trade. This commentary discusses how developing a robust power trading ecosystem can have far-reaching environmental, institutional, and social benefits in India and Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
July 2020 The Government of Nepal gave the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) approval to sell electricity to Bangladesh and India. Approval of Nepal Cabinet allows NEA to fix the price on the basis of competition, according to a report on the Himalayan Times. NEA can engage in electricity trade when domestic production is high and/or when production is low. Read More Tags: Nepal, Electricity, Energy, Bangladesh, India |
 July 2020Extensive connectivity in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion is needed to respond to economic vulnerabilities brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Increased connectivity through trade and transport infrastructure, such as those under the South Asian Subregional Economic Cooperation program, help the Asian Development Bank in its work to reduce poverty and promote gender equality. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Jobs |
 June 2020Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation nations need to be prepared for imminent shifts in global manufacturing that may occur following policy changes to respond to the COVID-19 global health crisis. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade |
June 2020 A new Asian Development Bank project will help improve power supply and distribution systems in Nepal through a concessional loan worth $200 million. The project aligns with the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program on intraregional power trade through cross-border power exchange. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, SASEC, ADB, India |
 April 2020 |
 March 2020A South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation project is providing affordable energy and improving lives in rural villages through an agreement signed by Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Center and the United Nations Development Programme to promote renewable energy in Nepal. Read More Tags: ADB, Hydropower, Nepal, Renewable Energy, SASEC, Solar Energy |
March 2020 Mr. Barsha Man Pun, Nepal Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, urged Mr. Sanjiv Nandan Sahai, India Power Secretary, to accelerate power trade between India and Nepal. The Central Electricity Authority of India (CEA) and the Nepal Electricity Authority has an existing power trade agreement. A go ahead from the Power Ministry of India will allow the CEA to carry out measures necessary to accelerate power trade with Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 February 2020Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Nepal, went on an official visit to Bangladesh in February 2020. His meetings included bilateral talks with Mr. AK Abdul Momen, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh on 18 February, and a courtesy call to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 19 February. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Transit Facilitation, Transport |
 February 2020Inland waterways is an important pillar of ‘Arth-Ganga,’ a project that aims to channelize economic activity along the banks of Ganga River to promote inclusive growth for India and generate enormous employment opportunities. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Shipping of the Government of India. Read More Tags: Inland waterways, India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Logistics |
 February 2020Policymakers and experts have begun discussions on the creation of a regional power grid for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) member countries. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, Cooperation, Energy, Nepal |
 February 2020Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) met in New Delhi, India, on 8 February 2020 to discuss and push for the finalization of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement. Read More Tags: BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, |
 December 2019The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed to a loan of $195 million to improve the highway section between Pokhara and Mugling in Nepal. The highway section links Pokhara to Kathmandu and to subregional corridors connecting Nepal with India and Bangladesh. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Trade, Transport |
 November 2019The Bangladesh Bhutan India Nepal (BBIN) Chamber of Commerce was launched in New Delhi, India, to foster connections and develop trade and commerce among the partner countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade |
 September 2019The Kolkata Customs of the Government of India has granted an 84.33% subsidy for Nepali cargo duty insurance. Nepali importers were also provided the flexibility to buy insurance from private companies beginning 12 September. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Trade Facilitation, Transit Facilitation |
 September 2019Economic corridor development is an effective policy that could promote sustainable growth in Bangladesh. It is a tool that enables the proliferation of industry, creates jobs, upgrades infrastructure, and links production centers with global value chains. It also helps create markets in lagging regions. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Economic Corridor Development, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Regional Integration, Trade, Transport |
 September 2019Bangladesh is in talks with Bhutan, India, Myanmar, and Nepal to import electricity to meet Bangladesh’s growing energy demand. This was according to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was speaking via videoconferencing at the inauguration of four power plants and eight substations in the country. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, India, Myanmar, Nepal |
 September 2019The 69 kilometer Motihari (India)-Amlekhgunj (Nepal) pipeline, signed by India and Nepal in 2015, was jointly inaugurated by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on 10 September 2019. The project is South Asia's first cross-border pipeline for petroleum products. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy |
 August 2019A bus service between Kathmandu, Nepal and Siliguri, West Bengal, India was inaugurated on 26 August 2019. Mr. Raghubir Mahaseth, Minister for Transport Management of the Government of Nepal, and Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, Indian Ambassador to Nepal, jointly flagged off the bus service. Mr. Mahaseth emphasized that the bus service will further strengthen the links between the two nations and help to expand trade links. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Transport, Trade |
 August 2019The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the National Food and Feed Reference Laboratory of Nepal will reciprocally acknowledge test analysis or quality certificates issued by each other for food imports. The list of food products include ginger, cardamom, tea, and coffee—Nepal’s top exported items to India. The Nepal Chamber of Commerce noted in a statement that this bilateral agreement is expected to reduce hurdles in border checking. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade |
 August 2019The Fifth Meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission reviewed bilateral relations, and areas of cooperation. The delegations expressed satisfaction over progress of ongoing projects. They agreed to expedite the early completion of remaining agreed projects, and pledged to conclude the review of treaties and agreements related to the trade, transit, and rail services early. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Rail |
 August 2019Infrastructure bottlenecks will need to be removed to effectively implement the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement. According to Mr. Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International, addressing the many short-term challenges would bring long-term benefits and result in a win-win situation for all member countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 August 2019The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund (SDF) and Drukair Corporation signed a $13 million loan agreement to help DrukAir purchase a new ATR Aircraft. This is SDF’s first loan under its economic and infrastructure window. Mr. Sunil Motiwal, Chief Executive Officer of SDF, noted that this assistance will help Bhutan expand its aviation connectivity to Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, SAARC |
 August 2019The Government of Bangladesh is considering the construction of a new pipeline to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from India. According to Mr. Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources of the Government of Bangladesh, the country’s Gas Transmission Company Limited plans to install the pipeline near the Satkhira border. This will help supply fuel-based power plants and industries in the southeastern region of Bangladesh. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Rail |
 August 2019South Asia has been the fastest growing subregion in the world. Since 2014, its eight economies have been collectively growing by 7.0% annually. But in order to continue performing well in the coming years, the region will need reforms and investments. By promoting regional cooperation and integration, for example, South Asia can accelerate economic growth and boost employment. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Trade, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 June 2019 |
 June 2019Nepal will welcome private and public sector investments from Bangladesh, said Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Secretary, Nepal, Mr. Dinesh Kumar Ghimire. He said Nepal and Bangladesh are looking to boost trade and business with each other and should explore new areas of cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Hydropower, Investments, Nepal, Solar Energy |
 May 2019India could play a crucial role in interconnecting regional energy networks. In this commentary, Mr. Mahendra P. Lama outlines what India needs to approach energy security projects in India and its neighboring countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Renewable Energy, Regional Cooperation, Nepal, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 March 2019India said it would support Nepal’s energy sector as Nepal seeks to export energy to third countries, such as Bangladesh and Myanmar. The move will provide power producers in Nepal access to international markets for energy export. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, India, Myanmar, Nepal |
 March 2019Senior officials met to review India-Nepal bilateral transit and trade treaties and agreed to discuss inland waterways facilities, which could reduce transit cost significantly once implemented. The two countries also agreed to install facilities for electronic cargo tracking on cargo bound for Nepal. Read More Tags: Inland waterways, India, Nepal, Transport, Electronic Cargo Tracking System |
 March 2019The Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank of Nepal, has allowed commercial banks to issue payment instruments in foreign currency for cargo transported by railway to the Birgunj dry port and Biratnagar customs point. The move aims to facilitate the implementation of the electronic cargo tracking system for third country import. Read More Tags: Electronic Cargo Tracking System, India, Nepal, Rail, Transit Facilitation |
 December 2018The broad-gauge railway line on the new Indo-Nepal railway route running from Janakpur (India) to Kurtha (Nepal) has been laid down, according to Mr. Aman Chitrakar, Senior Engineer, Department of Railways, Government of Nepal. The Government of India supported construction of the 35 kilometer-long railway route. Building of railway stations, terminal buildings, bridges and culverts along the route is approaching completion. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Transport |
 December 2018Nepal and Bangladesh have agreed to build cross-border transmission lines between the two countries, to supply electricity generated in Nepal to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Nepal |
 December 2018Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi undertook her first state visit to Nepal. She paid a courtesy call to Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli where they explored how to further expand their bilateral ties. At the Nepal Chamber Expo 2018, she delivered a speech urging both countries to improve economic relations. She also emphasized both countries’ membership to the SASEC program. Read More Tags: Myanmar, Nepal, Economic cooperation, Tourism, Transport, SASEC |
 October 2018The Simrutu River Small Hydropower Project, a micro-hydropower plant developed under the SASEC Program, is nearing completion in Rukum District, Nepal. The power plant will produce 200 kilowatts of electricity for rural communities and will be the largest hydropower project in the district once completed. The project is partially financed by the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Hydropower, Nepal, SASEC |
 October 2018A new project to improve Nepal’s East-West Highway is set to strengthen regional connectivity, promote growth and trade, and improve road safety. An 87-kilometer section of the East-West Highway, also known as the Mahendra Highway, will be widened to four lanes and will be improved to include a center median, service lanes in populated areas, and a drainage system. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Road, SASEC, Trade, Transport |
 September 2018Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government
of India, and Mr. Matrika Prasad Yadav, Minister for Industry, Commerce
and Supply, Government of Nepal, held a bilateral meeting to discuss
strengthening of energy and economic ties between the two countries. Both
ministers agreed to explore potential pipelines for LPG and LNG to supply fertilizer plants and industries in Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Energy, LNG, LPG |
 September 2018A team of technical experts from Nepal undertook an official visit to India to (i) study India’s inland waterway infrastructures in consideration of Nepal's needs, and (ii) hold discussions with their counterparts in India. This field visit follows the meeting between Indian and Nepalese government officials held in July 2018 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade, Transport, Shipping, Inland waterways |
 September 2018The bus service connecting Bihar, India, to Nepal, was flagged off by Mr. Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, Bihar, India. Two routes have started running beginning 13 September: (i) Bodh Gaya in Bihar to Kathmandu, Nepal, and (ii) Patna, Bihar to Kathmandu, via Janakpur, Nepal. The service aims to promote tourism between the two countries, and further strengthen India-Nepal relations. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Connectivity |
 August 2018Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli agreed to take Bangladesh-Nepal cooperation in the energy sector to the next level. Mr. Ihsanul Karim, Bangladesh Press Secretary, reported that the two Prime Ministers discussed enhancing cooperation in the power sector, and agreed on the need to sign a memorandum of understanding to enable power trade. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BIMSTEC, Energy |
 August 2018The Governments of India and Nepal exchanged the memorandum of understanding on preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey on the broad gauge line between Raxaul, India, and Kathmandu, Nepal on the sidelines of the fourth BIMSTEC Summit. The meeting between India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli also reviewed India-Nepal relations, discussing ways to further deepen bilateral economic, trade, and cultural ties, and connectivity. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Connectivity |
 August 2018The Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board (NITDB) is upgrading the inland container depot in Birgunj, Nepal, to give it the capacity to handle dusty cargo, such as cement clinker and fly ash. NITDB is also planning to develop railway tracks to be linked directly to the new warehouses. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Rail, Logistics |
 August 2018India’s GMR Upper Karnali Hydropower Ltd. is set to sign a power purchase agreement with the Bangladesh government to export electricity to be generated by the Upper Karnali Hydropower Project in Nepal. The agreement will serve as a guiding framework for Nepal for exporting surplus electricity to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Energy, Electricity |
 August 2018The Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run from Jainagar (India) to Khajuri (Nepal) railway stations, using a cargo train carrying 5,000 tons of ballast. The 8.5 kilometer stretch is part of the Jainagar (India)-Janakpur (Nepal) broad gauge railway link being constructed to improve connectivity between India and Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Connectivity |
 July 2018The Ministries of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Myanmar and Nepal have signed an MoU establishing a bilateral consultation mechanism. The first meeting reviewed Myanmar-Nepal relations, and discussed how to further boost cooperation between the two nations. Read More Tags: Myanmar, Nepal, Cooperation, Trade, Investment |
 July 2018The 6th Meeting of India-Nepal Oversight Mechanism reviewed progress of ongoing bilateral projects between India and Nepal. This included cross-border rail projects, integrated check posts, Terai roads project, cross-border transmission lines, and the Arun-III hydropower project. The Meeting discussed measures to be undertaken by specific Government agencies to achieve early or on-time completion of projects within the specified time frame. Read More Tags: India, Nepal |
 July 2018Nepal's third country imports is growing with more importers tapping railway cargo for transport, according to data from Nepal's Dry Port Customs Office. The Sirsiya Dry Port in Birgunj accommodated 25% more import cargo in Fiscal Year 2017-2018. The Sirsiya Dry Port is close to the Indian border, with links to the Raxaul railway junction. It is the first and only rail-linked terminal in Nepal that facilitates third-country trade through India. Read More Tags: Nepal, Rail |
 July 2018The Eminent Persons' Group on Nepal-India relations has finalized its report, with recommendations on updating bilateral treaties and agreements between India and Nepal, in line with the present reality of the two countries. The recommendations concern trade, commerce, water resource, people-to-people contact and cultural ties. The joint report, prepared in consensus by representatives of the two nations, lays a strong groundwork for furthering India-Nepal relations. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Trade |
 July 2018The Governments of India and Nepal convened the 6th Meeting of the Project Steering Committee for the Implementation of India-Nepal Cross Border Rail Link Projects. The Meeting highlighted the early finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding for the preliminary engineering/traffic survey of the Raxaul (India)-Kathmandu (Nepal) rail line. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport, Rail |
 June 2018By investing in infrastructure that improves connectivity and reduces transport times to key markets, South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation countries could reap major benefits, a new Asian Development Bank study says. Read More Tags: SASEC, ADB, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, World Bank |
 June 2018Establishing an additional air route via Nepal will help reduce congestion and enhance air traffic safety in the region. In this commentary, Mr. Tri Ratna Manandhar, former Director General of Civil Aviation Authority, Nepal, discusses how India and Nepal could work together to implement the Himalaya Route. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport |
 May 2018The fourth Bangladesh-Nepal Commerce Secretary Meeting on Trade, Transit, and Economic Cooperation focused on enhancing bilateral trade and narrowing the trade imbalance between the two nations. The delegations agreed to prioritize reviewing the operational modality for transit cargo, committed concluding the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and agreed to review non-tariff barriers hindering growth of Nepal's key export products to Bangladesh. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Transit, Economic cooperation |
 May 2018A delegation of Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) members from Nepal visited the Visakhapatnam (Vizag) port on 24 May 2018. The team met with Mr. Movva Tirumala Krishna Babu, Chairman, Vizag Port Trust. The Meeting recommended measures to boost efficiency of cargo shipment from Vizag port to Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Ports, Trade, Transit, Hydropower, Cooperation |
 May 2018The Governments of Myanmar and Nepal are planning to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to boost their economic ties and increase trade. According to Myanmar Vice President U Myint Swe, Myanmar is seeking to increase its export volume to Nepal. Demand for imported beans and pulses from Myanmar is on the rise in Nepal. Read More Tags: Myanmar, Nepal, Bilateral Trade |
 May 2018The 9th Annual Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) on Trade and Transport was held to discussed key issues in transport, transit cooperation, trade, and trade facilitation among LLDCs. Bhutan and Nepal sent delegations to the Meeting. They highlighted initiatives being taken to connect their countries to the global market, including bilateral agreements in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion and the SASEC Trade Facilitation Program. Read More Tags: Trade, Trade Facilitation, Sustainable Development Goals, Cooperation, Connectivity, Bilateral Agreement, Bilateral Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, SASEC, India, Transport, Ports, Customs, Roads, Single Window |
 May 2018This case study reviews how the Subregional Transport Facilitation Project removed roadblocks to Nepal's trade. The project, approved in 4 November 2004 and completed in 21 September 2010, made flow of import and export goods to Nepal easier, faster, and smoother. Learn how the project lowered the cost of capital for cargo in Nepal by 12% annually, making the country better connected to the subregional economy. Read More Tags: Transport, SASEC, ADB, Nepal, Customs |
 May 2018The BIMSTEC Working Group on Customs Cooperation held its first meeting on 10-11 May 2018 in New Dehi, India. The Meeting discussed progress in customs cooperation among BIMSTEC countries, and finalized the draft text of the 'Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters' for the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Customs, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trade |
 May 2018The Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India is reviewing feasibility studies for potential railway linkages between India and Bhutan. The studies conducted by the Northeast Frontier Railway include five possible routes. Read More Tags: India, Bhutan, Transport, Rail, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal |
 May 2018The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council of the Government of Bangladesh approved the double laning of the railway track from Khulna to Darshana. Darshana, a rail transit point, lies on the Bangladesh-India border. Spanning around 217 kilometers, the double rail line will establish rail connectivity with India, with links toward Bhutan and Nepal. It will also provide access to Mongla Port. Read More Tags: India, Bhutan, Nepal, Rail, Transport |
 April 2018The Governments of India and Nepal held an India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee Meeting on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Control Unauthorised Trade, led by Commerce Secretaries of the two Governments. They discussed bilateral trade, transit, and economic relations, and agreed to conclude measures to further improve bilateral trade and investment ties. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Transit, Inland waterways, Standards Harmonization |
 April 2018Bangladesh, India, and Nepal conducted a trial bus service run on 24-25 April 2018. Two buses left Dhaka, Bangladesh, for Kathmandu, Nepal, carrying delegates from the three countries and the ADB. The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement enables the bus service. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, BBIN, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport |
 April 2018The Government of India launched the test phase for railway movement of goods entering Nepal via the Biratnagar check post. The Container Corporation of India began carrying freight bound for Jogbani in Bihar, the nearest rail station to Biratnagar, on 25 April 2018. This development follows implementation of the electronic cargo tracking system. Read More Tags: Rail, India, Nepal, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, SASEC |
 April 2018Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of Nepal, and Mr. Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China (PRC), held official bilateral talks during Mr. Gyawali’s official visit to PRC. The Meeting discussed speedy implementation of all agreements and understandings, and establishment of a coordination and implementation mechanism to assist in the effective implementation of PRC-supported projects in Nepal. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade, People's Republic of China |
 April 2018This commentary by Ms. Dikshya Singh, Research Officer at South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment, puts forward that the decision to connect India and Nepal via inland waterways is a "landmark decision" that is worth pursuing. While modalities have yet to be set by the two Governments, the option to connect Nepal to India's waterways promises to further boost Nepal's trade facilitation and make India's inland waterways infrastructure project more financially viable. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Transport, Connectivity |
 April 2018Around 375 oil tankers bringing in fuel to Nepal from Indian Oil Corporation depots in Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, and Banthara, to the Nepalgunj and Bhairawa border points will be required to install a security locking system to eliminate pilferage in transit, shared Nepal Oil Corporation spokesperson Mr. Birendra Kumar Goit. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation |
 April 2018India and Nepal are set to be linked by rail with the agreement by the Governments of both countries to connect Raxaul, a border city in India, to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, by rail. Preparatory survey work will be conducted by the Government of India, in consultation with the Government of Nepal, for a new electrified rail line within one year. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Rail, Connectivity, Act East Policy, Transport |
 April 2018India and Nepal are set to develop the inland waterway linkage between their countries to promote efficient and more cost effective movement of goods. India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli issued a joint statement on forging this new route—which will also open additional sea access to landlocked Nepal—between the two countries on 7 April 2018, during Prime Minister Oli's state visit to India. Read More Tags: Connectivity, India, Inland waterways, Nepal, LLDC |
 April 2018Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized the high importance Nepal places upon its relationship with India, and Nepal's desire to further strengthen this bilateral partnership, in a meeting with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Oli visited India on 6-8 April 2018, upon the invitation of India’s Prime Minister. The two Prime Ministers jointly inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Birgunj, Nepal, and issued three joint statements of cooperation. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Connectivity, Trade |
 March 2018Selected commercial and personal vehicles, including a passenger bus service, will join a trial run from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Kathmandu, Nepal on 23-26 April 2018. The route will pass through the Banglabandha (Bangladesh)-Phulbari (India) border and through Panitanki (India)-Kakarbhitta (Nepal) border. Senior officials of the governments of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal have agreed to operate more cargo and passenger buses along key routes in the region to enhance connectivity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Transport |
 March 2018The Government of Nepal is aiming to finalize the transshipment modality with the Government of India for its third country trade. It will be part of the agenda in the upcoming Intergovernmental Committee (IGC) meeting in April in Pokhara, Nepal, headed by India and Nepal commerce secretaries. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, ADB, Transport, Electronic Cargo Tracking System |
 March 2018 |
 March 2018The Government of India has appointed a contractor to build the integrated check post (ICP) in Nepalgunj, Nepal, on the India-Nepal border. Timeline set for building and completion is two years. The ICP on the Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha (India) border would facilitate improved cross-border connectivity. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation |
 March 2018As Bangladesh's economy expands, its demand for energy also increases. The Bangladesh National Conservation Strategy projects that by 2030, the country's electricity demand will reach around 34,000 megawatts. In this commentary, Mr. Promod Rijal, senior economist at the Institute for Integrated Development Studies in Nepal, explains how transboundary energy trade between Bangladesh and Nepal through India will help Bangladesh meet its energy needs. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, Trade, BBIN |
 February 2018This video showcases how innovations for trade facilitation have enabled businesses in the BBIN subregion to tap into regional value chains and flourish globally. More developments in facilitating trade and enhancing connectivity are planned and underway to help boost trade, enhance regional integration, and promote economic opportunities. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
February 2018 The Government of Bangladesh plans to convert around 67 kilometers of meter-gauge rail line into dual gauge to establish railway connectivity with Bhutan, India, and Nepal. This move could help boost trade among the three countries. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Rail, Transport |
 February 2018Bangladesh is looking to expand the market share of its goods in Nepal. Ms. Mashfee Binte Shams, Bangladeshi Ambassador to Nepal, reviews the opportunities for Bangladesh manufacturers and explains what her country is doing to promote its products in Nepal. This interview of Ms. Shams, conducted by Ibrahim Hossain Ovi, first appeared on Dhaka Tribune. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Exports, Imports, Trade Facilitation |
 February 2018Eminent Persons Group including representatives from both India and Nepal exchanged the first draft reports on future India-Nepal relations during their seventh meeting in Kathmandu on 24 February 2018. It is likely that they will produce one joint final report during the next meeting in New Delhi that will be submitted to both governments before the group’s term expires in July. Read More Tags: Connectivity, India, Nepal, Cooperation, Energy, Hydropower |
 February 2018Bangladesh's interest to harness Nepal's hydropower potential could be a win-win for both countries, with India playing the role of catalyst, shared Mr. Mostofa Sohrab Chowdhury, President, Rangpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Bangladesh's projected additional energy demand is 21,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030, while Nepal's untapped economically feasible hydropower potential is 42,000 MW. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Cooperation, Energy, Hydropower, Transmission |
 February 2018A meeting between the Government of Nepal's Ministry of Commerce (MoC), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Visakhapatnam (Vizag) port authorities, and the Government of India discussed the possibility of implementing paperless trade procedures at Vizag port for Nepal’s third country trade. In follow up to this, the Government of Nepal also held a meeting with its stakeholders on 18 February 2018. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Paperless trade, Trade Facilitation, Ports |
 February 2018The Governments of Nepal and India are preparing to launch the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) as soon as possible. It received the green light from Nepal's Council of Ministers in January 2018. The planned pilot will run for three months, covering cargo entering Nepal by rail in Birgunj and by road in Biratnagar and Bhairawa. ADB is supporting the piloting of the project through the SASEC Program. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, SASEC, India, Transit Facilitation, Electronic Cargo Tracking System |
 February 2018Exporters from Nepal shipped over 35 truckloads of ginger to Bangladesh between mid-December 2017 to January 2018. This volume of ginger traded by Nepal to Bangladesh is the largest it has exported to a third country in over a decade. The Treaty of Transit between India and Nepal facilitates movement of Nepal's third country trade with and through Bangladesh, via India. Read More Tags: Nepal, Bangladesh, Trade Facilitation |
 January 2018South Asian Women Development Forum (SAWDF) will promote products by women entrepreneurs in markets in SAARC countries. A Women Entrepreneur International Trade and Technology Hub will be developed in Visakhapatnam, India, with ADB assistance. The Hub will serve as a one-stop platform for women entrepreneurs and provide training on international trade and business. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 January 2018The Cabinet of Nepal has approved the modality of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS). Following this, Nepal's Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has begun preparations for ECTS implementation with the assistance of ADB. Mr. Ravi Shanker Sainju, Joint Secretary, MoC, is hopeful that the ECTS will help control the turnaround time of shipping line containers, and significantly reduce the delay and cost of trade. He stressed that if Nepal can minimize time consumed in trade, cost of goods. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Electronic Cargo Tracking System, Customs, Trade |
 December 2017The power purchase agreement between the Nepal Electricity Authority and the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam of India was extended by three months, from 1 January to end of March 2018. This allows Nepal to import up to 160 megawatts of electricity through the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, India |
 December 2017An ADB-funded project is upgrading power lines and substations in 49 locations in Nepal to enhance the country’s electricity distribution system. The $191 million SASEC Power System Expansion Project aims to increase the load-bearing capacity of transmission lines in Nepal. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Energy, Nepal |
 December 2017India's Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will prioritize plans to construct 2,000 kilometers of roads linking India's major highway corridors to international trade points in South Asia. MoRTH Minister Nitin Gadkari highlights that this plan, worth Rs 25,000 crore, will facilitate export/import trade with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal. The Ministry also took steps to operationalize the BBIN MVA. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Transport |
 November 2017Experts at the launching of UNCTAD’s The Least Developed Countries Report 2017 urged the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen the country’s electrical system and address electricity governance and finance to ensure affordable power supply to homes and businesses. Despite significant improvements over the past decade, challenges remain, according to the Report. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, LDC, Nepal, Sustainable Development Goals, UNCTAD |
 November 2017Nepal has decided to join the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grid interconnection, a move meant to help facilitate trade in electricity and take full advantage of available energy sources. Nepal is expected to sign an MOU to join the grid interconnection at the Third BIMSTEC Energy Ministers' Meeting. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, BIMSTEC, Energy, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation |
 November 2017An Asian Development Bank report suggests that a shift in India’s electricity policy could help address the acute electricity shortages faced by SAARC countries, which affects socioeconomic development as well as business operations. Policy amendments could help facilitate cross-border power trade among SAARC countries and give communities better access to electricity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Energy, India, Maldives, Nepal, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade |
 October 2017Completion of infrastructure to connect inland waterways of India and Bangladesh could ease movement between the two countries, and make transport of freight to Nepal and Bhutan faster and less expensive. Opening inland waterways would make alternative modes of transport viable and could open up livelihood opportunities, helping facilitate trade in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, according to experts attending a forum on subregional inland waterways. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Poverty Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, Transport |
 October 2017The new-look SASEC website is fully mobile-friendly and automatically adjusts to fit the screen you are using — computer, tablet, or mobile phone—making it a convenient choice for staying in touch with regional cooperation throughout South Asia. SASEC has also updated to HTTPS for enhanced cybersecurity and user privacy. Read More Tags: SASEC, ICT, Regional Cooperation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives |
 October 2017The Government of India has taken steps to implement the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA), coordinating with the Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal through the Ministry of External Affairs to enforce the transport agreement between and among themselves, reported Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Road Transport, Highways, and Shipping Minister, India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Transport |
 October 2017Ms. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabha, India, said South Asian countries need to present a collective front to help the world achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Speaking at the Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians, Ms. Majahan stressed the importance of interaction among the parliaments of SAARC countries and said that national parliaments should focus on the SDGs. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Sustainable Development Goals |
 September 2017The 13th Joint Steering Committee Meeting between Bangladesh and India, held on 27-28 September 2017 in New Delhi, India, reviewed Bangladesh-India power sector cooperation, and explored new areas and opportunities, including the possible 840 megawatt (MW) additional electricity import from India to Bangladesh, and planned Bangladesh hydropower imports from Nepal and Bhutan. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Hydropower, Energy, Nepal, Bhutan |
 August 2017The 18th session of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Senior Officials' Meeting and the 15th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting stressed the importance of cooperation in energy, technology, trade, and transport, through a revitalized, more integrated, and stronger BIMSTEC process. The Joint Statement underscored the need to finalize the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Agreement. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Nepal, Bangladesh, Regional Cooperation, Energy, Technology, Trade, Transport, Free Trade Agreement |
 July 2017The Asian Development Bank has approved a $21 million loan to support the Government of Nepal’s efforts to simplify, harmonize, and modernize the country’s trade processes, under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation. The program will help the country to promote and diversify exports, and help it fulfill its commitments to international customs standards. Read More Tags: ADB, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Nepal |
 July 2017The Government of Bangladesh and India's GMR Upper Karnali Hydropower Ltd. are now preparing to sign a power purchase agreement. GMR will be exporting 300 to 500 megawatts (MW) of energy generated by the Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project in Nepal via India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Energy |
 June 2017A forum in Kathmandu, Nepal explored actions that will allow landlocked countries to take advantage of being "land-linked". Mr. Bipul Chatterjee, Executive Director, CUTS International, underscored the importance of cooperation among the four countries to be able to move forward. Read More Tags: Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Infrastructure |
 June 2017Mr. Prabir De, Professor at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, discusses how the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregional grouping’s focus to bridge connectivity gaps is crucial to reducing poverty in the region. He highlights the pressing need to begin implementing comprehensive trade facilitation and connectivity measures in the BBIN subregion, and remarks how success of the BBIN initiative is important to move broader regional integration initiative Read More Tags: Connectivity, BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2017The International Trade Centre's Trade Map reports an increase in intraregional trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion in 2016, from $21.65 billion in 2015 to $23.52 billion. The ratio of BBIN intraregional trade to world trade went up from 2.98% in 2015 to 3.34% in 2016. Read More Tags: BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Energy, Trade |
 June 2017The Asia Foundation, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry, is preparing a study on energy trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal subregion, examining how market forces, networks, and stakeholders interact. In this commentary, Mr. Aditya Valiathan Pillai, program officer of the Asia Foundation in India, discusses the creation of an energy market in South Asia and the growing importance of regional electricity trade in helping mitigate carbon emissions. Read More Tags: South Asia, BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
 June 2017The Nepal-Bangladesh Youth Conference 2017 was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, to discuss possible ways to increase bilateral trade between Nepal and Bangladesh. The environment and the economic and business sectors were among the topics tackled at the conference. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BBIN, Regional Cooperation, Trade Facilitation |
 June 2017An electronic tracking system will soon ease traffic-in-transit for cargo traveling by road and rail from Kolkata to four major Customs points of Nepal, including the Raxaul route. Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Customs Commissioner, India, and Mr. Rabi Shanker Sainju, Commerce Ministry Joint Secretary, Nepal, signed a memorandum of intent to pilot the tracking system for a trial period of at least 90 days in late 2017. Read More Tags: Electronic Cargo Tracking System, ADB, SASEC, Nepal, India, BBIN, Customs, Road, Rail, Transport |
 May 2017India's Ministry of Power is preparing a set of guidelines for cross-border trade of electricity, with draft regulations from the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission. This will regulate cross-border energy trade between India and Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, by creating a uniform framework. Read More Tags: India, Energy, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal |
 May 2017Finance ministers and senior officials of member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka met on 5 May at Yokohama, Japan, at the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) 50th Annual General Meeting. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Central Asia, Climate Change, Energy, India, Maldives, Nepal, Policy, Regional Cooperation, SAARC, SASEC, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 April 2017India's Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ratification of the MOU for the Establishment of the BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection. The MOU is expected to be signed at the next BIMSTEC Energy Minsters' Meeting and provides a broad framework for energy trade among BIMSTEC member countries. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Connectivity, Energy, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
 April 2017Bangladesh has the potential to become a transport hub for India, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Myamar, according to Mr. AMA Muhith, Finance Minister, Bangladesh. Turning Bangladesh into a regional and transshipment hub would enhance economic cooperation and result in collective economic growth for the countries, Mr. Muhith said at the SASEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, India. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Economic Corridor Development, Energy, ICT, India, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, SASEC, South Asia, Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Regional Cooperation |
 March 2017SASEC is now on Facebook, connecting followers to the most up-to-date news on regional cooperation in South Asia, SASEC events, project information, and publications that are all featured daily on www.sasec.asia. To follow SASEC on Facebook, simply click here; then click “Like” at the top of the Facebook page. Read More Tags: SASEC, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Regional Cooperation, Trade, Economic cooperation |
 March 2017Low exports and rising imports are causing exponential growth in Nepal's trade deficit, according to Nepal’s Minister of Commerce, and he urged ministries, agencies, and the private sector to collaborate to bridge Nepal's widening export gap. The Ministry of Commerce has prioritized initiatives to promote Nepal's productive capacity. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Trade |
 March 2017The Eighth BIMSTEC Roundtable Meeting tackled “Rewriting the Rulebook of Regional Connectivity,” emphasizing the need to resolve border-related trade barriers through coordination of government policies across Asia, including Customs procedures and clearance of goods, to unlock the vibrancy of the Asian Highway and reduce the cost of doing business. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Trade, Customs, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, ICT, Nepal, Transport, Ease of Doing Business |
 February 2017Good connectivity reduces the cost of doing business and increases the competitive strengths of trading partners. In this commentary, Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director, Centre for Policy Dialogue, highlights how a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement and an effective Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement would promote South Asian integration and step up Asia-wide cooperation. Read More Tags: BBIN, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Transport, Economic corridor |
 February 2017The World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement came into force after Rwanda, Oman, Chad, and Jordan submitted their instruments of acceptance to WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo. The submissions bring the total number of ratifications over the 110 required for activation. Members’ trade costs are forecast to lower by 14.3%, with developing countries having the most to gain. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, LDC, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade Facilitation Agreement, WTO |
 February 2017ADB has allocated $843.8 million for Nepal for 2017-2019. An additional $356 million can be made available over the period for projects contributing to regional cooperation and integration and reduction of disaster risks, provided that Nepal continues to improve performance of its ongoing projects, according to Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, ADB. Read More Tags: Nepal, ADB, Regional Cooperation, Infrastructure, Energy |
 February 2017The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to assist Bangladesh in its efforts to improve transport and energy connectivity. Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice President, ADB, affirmed that ADB will continue to support Bangladesh in its goal of becoming a developed country by 2041, as well as in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and minimizing climate change impact. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, BBIN, Cooperation, Development, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Energy, Investment, Nepal |
 February 2017The Governments of India and Nepal discussed how to bring transmission line projects—the Dhalkebar (Nepal)-Muzaffarpur (India) transmission line, Raxaul (India)-Parwanipur (Nepal) transmission line, and Kataiya (India)-Kushaha (Nepal) transmission line—into operation. They agreed to increase the Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur transmission line to 220 kVa capacity in May 2017, and begin electricity import through the Raxaul-Parwanipur and Kataiya-Kushaha transmission line. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Transmission, Hydropower, Trade, Electricity |
 February 2017The Ganges flows through the middle of Bihar, India, physically dividing it into north and south. Enhanced connectivity can improve lives and livelihoods, especially if the infrastructure is climate-sensitive. Ms. Saleha Waseem, Operations Communications Specialist at the Asian Development Bank’s South Asia Regional Department, shows how improving transport links would make a huge difference to millions of people. Read More Tags: ADB, Agriculture, Bangladesh, Connectivity, Development, Economic corridor, Regional Cooperation, India, Nepal, Road, Services, Transport |
 February 2017Hydropower cooperation among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal could be a viable option for addressing growing power needs in the region, said Mr. Ainun Nishat, Professor Emeritus, Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research, Brac University, Bangladesh. Nepal’s hydropower potential stands at 83,000 megawatts (MW), while Bhutan’s is at 40,000 MW and northeast India’s at 60,000 MW. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Energy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 January 2017The second meeting of the Nepal-India Oversight Mechanism, held on 30 January 2017 in Kathmandu, Nepal, reviewed progress of India-funded economic and development projects in Nepal, and agreed to expedite implementation of these projects for timely completion. Projects discussed included cross-border railways, integrated check posts, and cross-border transmission lines. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Hydropower, Infrastructure, Transport, Energy |
 January 2017The World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) is getting closer to coming into force after Mr. Deepak Dhital, Nepal’s Ambassador to the WTO, submitted his country’s instrument of acceptance to WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo on 24 January 2017. Nepal is the 14th least developed country to ratify the TFA, which is expected to help reduce trade costs for WTO member countries. Read More Tags: Nepal, Customs, Trade Facilitation |
 January 2017A railway network linking India and its neighboring countries, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, is being considered by the Government of India, according to India Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. Developing railway connectivity will increase employment, interaction, trade, and tourism. Read More Tags: India, Rail, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Trade, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Tourism, Employment |
 January 2017The Integrated Research and Action for Development initiative has launched the analytical study “Economic Benefits from Nepal-India Electricity Trade,” confirming that a large economically feasible electricity export potential exists. Electricity trade can help boost Nepal's economy and improve the well-being of its people, and offers India an affordable and convenient renewable resource to meet demand. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Nepal, India, Energy |
 January 2017The interactive session “Harnessing Regional Cooperation in South Asia” held at the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum discussed how regional economic cooperation is helping accelerate growth and development. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasized continuous initiatives, in economic cooperation in South Asia, including SAFTA and SASEC. India Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman lauded initiatives to boost connectivity. Read More Tags: South Asia, Regional Cooperation, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 January 2017India is set to join the Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR), or International Road Transport Convention in its bid to establish seamless trade connectivity with Southeast Asia and Eurasian countries. Through the TIR Convention, India could access Eurasia via the International North-South Transport Corridor. TIR would also give India an advantage in trade with fellow signatories of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Connectivity, Customs, Economic corridor, Harmonization, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Road, Roads, Trade Facilitation, Trade, Transport, BBIN |
 January 2017Nepal's Department of Customs is set to present the Customs Reform and Modernization Strategies and Action Plan (CRMSAP) 2017-2021 on 26 January 2017, International Customs Day. The CRMSAP 2017-2021 aims to implement provisions of the Revised Kyoto Convention, the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement, and the Single Window System. Read More Tags: Nepal, Customs, Trade Facilitation, Single Window |
 January 2017Nepal’s Parliament ratified the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) on 13 January 2017, drawing up the instrument of acceptance for the WTO TFA, whose implementation will help expand trade and attract foreign direct investment in Nepal by increasing transparency and effectiveness of the trading process. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Exports, Customs, FDI, LDC, WTO |
 January 2017 |
 January 2017Transboundary rivers between India and Nepal have huge hydropower and irrigation potential. Developing these rivers can become an engine for regional development, alleviating poverty for millions of people within a reasonable timeframe. With improved relations between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, formulating and implementing sustainable plans to manage these rivers presents a significant win-win opportunity for the subregion. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Hydropower, Kosi River, Sustainability, Poverty Reduction |
 January 2017Nepal has upgraded the Thame Khola Small Hydropower Plant in Namche VDC, Solukhumbu District, raising the plant’s capacity from 630 kilowatts (kW) to 930 kW. India provided assistance of $54,500 for the upgrade. The facility supplies power to the upper Khumbu valley, including 18 villages of Khumjung and Namche VDC. Read More Tags: Hydropower, Nepal, India, Energy |
 December 2016Least Developed Countries (LDCs) comprise around 880 million people yet account for less than 2% of the world gross domestic product. South Asian countries can accelerate economic development and graduate from the LDC category by working with each other. The economic future of their people could change radically through collaboration between the countries and lift millions of people out of poverty. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Nepal, BBIN, Connectivity, Energy, SAARC, Sri Lanka, Trade, UNCTAD |
 December 2016A Regional Workshop on the SASEC Research and Training Network was held to assess the results and achievements of the SASEC Information Highway Project. The Meeting reviewed project implementation, discussed knowledge products, and summarized project benefits to rural communities. It also proposed ways to facilitate sustainable ICT cooperation among the four countries. Read More Tags: ICT, SASEC, ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 December 2016Nepal’s hydropower potential could be realized with an efficient technological base, entrepreneurial vision, a coordinated power trading approach, and sustained investment commitment. Hydropower development would bring economic, social, and environmental benefits in Nepal and the rest of the South Asian region. In this speech delivered at the Power Summit, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal vowed to support domestic and foreign investors through a policy encouraging investment. Read More Tags: Development, Energy, Hydropower, India, Investment, Nepal, Private Sector, Regional Cooperation, Trade |
 December 2016The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an additional $20 million for the SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal, to be provided by the ADB Strategic Climate Fund. This additional financing will support installation of utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems by 2018. The Government of Nepal is also providing complementary funding of $24.5 million. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Trade, Hydropower, ADB, SASEC, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Regional Cooperation, Regional Integration, Solar Energy, India |
 December 2016The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence under the Central Board of Excise and Customs organized the 4th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting in New Delhi, India, as part of its Founding Day celebrations. The Heads of Customs Enforcement from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius and Maldives were invited to participate in the said Meeting, which discussed issues of mutual concern, noted the need to share information and activate channels of coordination. Read More Tags: Customs, Trade Facilitation, South Asia, Regional Cooperation, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Trade |
 December 2016The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan for $187 million to Nepal for the SASEC Roads Improvement Project, which will upgrade transport connectivity and bring transformational gains by making social services more accessible, opening up previously untapped economic opportunities, and supporting trade between Nepal and India. Read More Tags: SASEC, Transport, Nepal, Connectivity, ADB, Services, Trade |
 December 2016The SASEC project portfolio has surpassed the $9 billion mark with the December 2016 approval of Nepal’s SASEC Roads Improvement Project, worth $256.5 million. There are now 44 SASEC investment projects worth a cumulative $9.13 billion. During 2016, seven projects have been approved for a total of $2.37 billion. Read More Tags: SASEC, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport, Roads, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, ICT, Rail, Economic corridor, Connectivity |
 November 2016A notification for moving export and import cargo to and from Nepal through Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Port in Andhra Pradesh, India, was issued by the Nepal Department of Customs. This follows the go-ahead given by the Central Bank of Nepal to issue letters of credit to clients using Vizag Port to bring in trade. Furthermore, the Government of Nepal is considering establishing a consulate in Andhra Pradesh to ensure more efficient utilization of Vizag Port. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Trade Facilitation, Ports, Imports, Exports, LLDC |
 November 2016Government officials of Bangladesh and Nepal will conduct a joint survey on a potential road route under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA), starting from5 December 2016. It will check road conditions, length of travel, and necessary infrastructure to ensure seamless movement of vehicles. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 November 2016EPing, an online alert system for updates on the latest information on regulatory requirements for international trade, was launched by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the World Trade Organization, and the International Trade Centre. The system enables access to WTO member notifications on TBT and SPS measures, and facilitates dialogue among the public and private sector in the early stages of potential trade issues. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Technical Barriers to Trade, Sanitary and Phytosanitary, Trade, WTO, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 November 2016The SASEC Operational Plan, which aligns and brings together all SASEC sectoral strategies, was launched in Kathmandu, Nepal. With 37 of the 200 planned projects set to be implemented in Nepal, the Government’s policy reform efforts to integrate with global markets is set to receive a significant boost. Read More Tags: Nepal, SASEC Operational Plan, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Energy |
 November 2016Nepal Minister for Foreign Affairs Prakash Sharan Mahat urged conclusion of the SAARC Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investment to deepen economic integration among South Asian countries, and emphasized the need to improve connectivity in the region at the inauguration of the Fourteenth Annual Conference of the South Asian Network of Economic Research. Read More Tags: SAARC, Transport, Rail, Road, Investment, Investments, Nepal |
 October 2016A high-level panel formed by the Governments of India and Nepal will work to address bottlenecks in infrastructure projects in Nepal funded by the Government of India—including hydropower projects, roads and railways—to ensure their timely completion. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Rail, Transport, Energy |
 October 2016South Asian countries should engage more in regional energy trade and joint management of resources. By doing so, they could save over $9 billion annually and reduce carbon emissions by 8%. And since energy drives development, energy cooperation and trade is expected to translate to improved standards of living and poverty reduction. Read More Tags: Energy, Hydropower, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 October 2016Bangladesh and Nepal officials have emphasized the need to both hasten and deepen integration among South Asian countries through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the region must work to finalize BIMSTEC Free Trade Area Framework Agreement deals to boost trade in the region. Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal stated that BIMSTEC can be a dynamic engine for growth and development. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, BIMSTEC, Regional Cooperation, Free Trade Agreement |
 October 2016The Governments of Bangladesh and Nepal have agreed to undertake joint investments in hydropower plants in Nepal, to generate electricity, including energy exports to Bangladesh. The two countries signed a deal to set up two hydropower plants capable of generating 1,500 megawatts. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Nepal |
 October 2016Mr. Romi Gauchan Thakali, Minister for Commerce, Nepal, emphasized the need to finalize and implement the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Free Trade Area (FTA) Framework Agreement, to help boost growth among least developed and developing nations in South and Southeast Asia. He also highlighted implementation of the BIMSTEC Transport Infrastructure and Logistics Study. Read More Tags: BIMSTEC, Trade, Nepal, Transport |
 October 2016In recent years, countries in South Asia have shown increasing commitment to deepening regional cooperation through bilateral agreements and regional initiatives, including the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement. This commentary by Ms. Nahela Nowshin of the Centre for Policy Dialogue discusses the importance of regional initiatives in South Asia, as well as the need to promote dialogue on matters of regional cooperation and connectivity. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 October 2016A new Customs inspection and verification procedure is changing how trade is conducted among South Asian countries. Through the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement, cargo and passenger vehicles may now pass through the four countries more smoothly. The simplified process greatly benefits apparel-centric economies, making South Asia more competitive for both global and domestic brands. Read More Tags: BBIN, Customs, Trade Facilitation, Garments, Imports, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, India, Nepal |
 October 2016The Asian Development Bank is helping countries in the SASEC subregion harmonize two technical non-tariff measures, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), to enhance intraregional trade. Under this initiative, a national diagnostic study on SPS and TBT will be conducted in the six SASEC member countries, to be led by core committees formed by the six governments, in consultation with trade experts. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Non-tariff Measures, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal |
 September 2016The Government of Nepal launched the Nepal Trade Portal, a one-stop shop for official information on trade procedures and requirements for Nepali business. Featuring essential information for traders, the online portal aims to improve the way trade and business is conducted, and to facilitate cross-border trade by providing easy access to legal documents, forms and procedures in both English and Nepali. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Exports, Imports |
 September 2016The six member countries of the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation Program have launched the SASEC Operational Plan for 2016-2025. The plan expands the program’s focus beyond intraregional cooperation to deepening linkages with Southeast and East Asia, and widens the scope of transport, trade facilitation, and energy cooperation to include economic corridor development as a priority initiative. The plan also lists more than 200 potential regional projects for South Asia. Read More Tags: ADB, SASEC, Economic corridor, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 September 2016The 13th SAARC trade fair was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, to promote intra-regional trade and investment among SAARC countries. In his opening address, Mr. Lekey Dorji, Bhutan Economic Affairs Minister, underscored the importance of fostering business links among companies in the region to accelerate economic growth and improve people's well-being. Read More Tags: SAARC, Trade, South Asia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka |
 September 2016The Nepal Parliament ratified the Protocol of Amendments to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedure (Revised Kyoto Convention) on 9 September 2016, tabled by Mr. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Nepal Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister. The ratification is expected to boost the capacity of Nepal Customs to facilitate trade. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Customs |
 September 2016A 'Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Hydropower' forum in Kathmandu, Nepal stressed the need for more FDI in hydropower projects. According to Nepal Minister for Energy Janardan Sharma, Nepal needs more investment to be able to fully harness its hydropower capacity. The Power Trade Agreement signed by Nepal and India promises a huge market for Nepal's hydroelectricity. Read More Tags: Nepal, Investment, Hydropower, Energy, India, Exports |
September 2016 A new chapter in trade relations and people-to-people contact between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) began on 5 September 2016, as a Bangladeshi cargo truck rolled into the Customs Inland Container Depot, Patparganj, Delhi. Though the vehicle entered India through Petrapole Land Customs Station, Customs clearance was done at the ICD, Patparganj, as part of a trial run of the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Motor Vehicles Agreement, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 September 2016Finance Ministers from the eight South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member states are pushing for the formation of a South Asian Economic Union (SAEU) to ensure larger inflow of investments, higher trade volumes, and energy generation. The ministers highlighted the need to fast-track the formation of the SAEU to help boost the inflow of investments and trade volumes. Read More Tags: SAEU, SAARC, Trade, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal |
August 2016 The Parliament of Nepal has endorsed the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation, enabling the 8 SAARC member countries to conduct cross-border electricity trade. Under the Agreement, SAARC member states have agreed to provide non-discriminatory access to the regional transmission grids. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, SAARC |
 August 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting focused on improving trade relations among member nations. Discussions revolved around economic issues, Customs unions, avoidance of double taxation, improving connectivity, increasing trade volume, and developing supply chain linkages. Read More Tags: SAARC, India, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Connectivity, Customs, SASEC, Trade |
 August 2016The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) is set to boost infrastructure development in the BBIN subregion. Bangladesh will see significant increase in cargo movement, enabling India to access its Northeast region, and helping facilitate third-country trade of landlocked Bhutan and Nepal. However, major investments in infrastructure are needed to maximize Bangladesh’s potential to become a transport and transshipment hub. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation |
 August 2016Preparations to sign a power trade agreement between the Governments of Nepal and Bangladesh are underway, with the Energy Ministry of Nepal finalizing a draft memorandum of understanding on Nepal-Bangladesh energy cooperation. The draft outlines protocols for conducting energy trade between the two countries, in line with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Energy, SAARC |
 August 2016Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Road Transport and Shipping Minister, India, led the inauguration of the Varanasi-Haldia inland waterway route, laying the foundation stone for an inland waterway terminal, and flagging off a trial run of two cargo vessels from Varanasi to Haldia Port near Kolkata, a route that touches Nepal’s two major rivers—Koshi and Gandaki. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 August 2016The Ministry of Shipping, Government of Bangladesh, has ordered upgrading of the Banglabandha Land Port to cater to rising trade with Nepal. This includes improving and building new loading and unloading sheds, and other needed infrastructure, such as warehouses, vehicle parking, and the road leading to the port. Read More Tags: Shipping, Bangladesh, Nepal, Transport, BBIN |
 August 2016Nepal private sector representatives, including members of the Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Nepal Freight Forwarders' Association, and India port authorities from Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, met to discuss measures needed to bring India's Visakhapatnam Port into full-fledged operation for Nepal's third country trade, and simplifying clearing processes for Nepal-bound cargoes. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation |
July 2016 Freight forwarders in Nepal have urged early operationalization of the Vizag Port in India as an alternative port for Nepal trade. According to the Nepal Freight Forwarders Association, ocean freight costs, Customs house agent charges, and other logistic costs can be reduced by directing trade through Vizag Port. Read More Tags: Nepal, Shipping, Trade Facilitation |
 July 2016South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) investment projects increased to a cumulative $7.66 billion in the areas of transport, energy, trade facilitation, and ICT with the recent approval of India’s Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project. To date, 40 SASEC-supported projects are helping member countries strengthen regional connectivity infrastructure, promote economic growth, and foster regional cooperation. In addition, there are now 71 technical assistance projects worth $66.14 mi Read More Tags: SASEC, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, South Asia, ADB, ICT, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Economic Corridor Development |
 July 2016Implementation of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) may start in December, according to Bangladesh Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, while speaking at a closing ceremony of a drivers' training on road safety. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 July 2016India's National Green Tribunal has approved registration of a Delhi-Kathmandu bus service by the Delhi Transport Corporation, offering transit between select destinations in India and Nepal. The bus service was launched to further enhance economic ties between the two countries Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport |
 July 2016The 24th meeting of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN) endorsed the "National Energy Demand and Supply Study," which was undertaken to address the issue of latent demand and come up with a more realistic demand forecast for energy. According to the study, Nepal's energy demand will reach around 10,000 megawatts by 2030. Electricity will also have a dominant share of energy in Nepali households. Read More Tags: Energy, Trade, Nepal |
 July 2016Mr. Hun Kim, Director General, South Asia Department, ADB, describes how partnership of 6 South Asian countries through the ADB-supported South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Program is helping propel economic growth in South Asia, amidst an uncertain regional and global economic climate, by working to increase trade volumes to reduce the number of impoverished people in the region. Read More Tags: Regional Cooperation, South Asia, Energy, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 July 2016Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) signed a landmark Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) meant to allow smooth passage of goods and passenger vehicles in each other’s territories. In this blog post, Sanjay Kathuria, Lead Economist and Coordinator, South Asia Regional Integration, Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, World Bank, asks if South Asia is truly ready for such a regional agreement. Read More Tags: South Asia, Transport, Trade Facilitation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 June 2016Meetings between Customs officials from SASEC member countries reaps benefits for the SASEC subregion and beyond, providing a platform for officers to decide the next steps in improving cross-border coordination and cooperation to resolve bottlenecks for trade at the borders. An Asian Development Bank (ADB) blog post by Ms. Rose McKenzie, Senior Regional Cooperation Specialist, Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination, South Asia Regional Department, ADB, is shared. Read More Tags: Customs, Trade Facilitation, Regional Cooperation, ICT, BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal |
 June 2016The Asian Development Bank has approved a $500-million loan to build a bridge across the Ganges River that will link India and Nepal. The 9.8-kilometer bridge will be India’s longest river bridge and will help people move between jobs and markets. It is projected to benefit 9 million people, especially those in poorer communities. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport |
 June 2016India is set to begin work on the Bihar New Ganga Bridge Project, which is expected to become the longest river bridge in India at 9.8 kilometers (km). The road bridge spanning the Ganges River will improve transport connectivity between north and south Bihar, India, and enhance the existing road corridors between India and Nepal. ADB is providing $500 million for the project and $900,000 in technical assistance to improve bridge operation and management. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport, Road, Bridge |
 June 2016Greatly increased energy consumption is powering economic transformation in Asia and the Pacific, but also contributing to higher greenhouse gas emissions. The devastating effects of climate change are already being felt in the region. In this speech delivered at the Pacific Energy Summit on 24 June 2016 in Singapore, Bambang Susantono, Vice-President for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development, Asian Development Bank, looks at the challenges faced by Asia’s growing economies a Read More Tags: ADB, Energy, Hydropower, Climate Change, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2016Cargo bound for Nepal was flagged off symbolically from Visakhapatnam Port in India on 24 June 2016, signaling to traders that the port is ready to facilitate exports and imports as Nepal's second gateway port. A delegation from Nepal is in Visakhapatnam to see through implementation of the agreement and discuss modalities of cargo transit with Customs officials from India. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Ports, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 June 2016The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement is a landmark framework agreement signed by the transport ministers of the BBIN countries last June 2015 in Thimphu, Bhutan. Mr. Ronald Butiong, Director, Regional Cooperation and Operations Coordination, South Asia Regional Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB), describes how it is paving the way for a more integrated and more prosperous South Asian region in an ADB blog entry. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 June 2016Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have expressed interest in adopting best practices of the Indian Trade Portal in setting up their own trade portals to promote international trade. Trade portals to be set up by Bhutan and Nepal will also be useful for cargo being routed through India, and will contribute to the common documentation system needed to implement the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Read More Tags: Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade Portal, Trade Facilitation, SASEC, Customs, Trade |
 June 2016Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. KP Sharma Oli emphasized the importance of enhancing regional cooperation in South Asia, at the June 2016 SAARC Cabinet Secretaries Meeting held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where member states gathered to discuss good governance and how to resolve governance issues in the region. Read More Tags: Nepal, SAARC, Governance, Regional Cooperation |
June 2016 Nepal's private sector stakeholders are seeking a dedicated railway line from Nepal to Indian sea ports, including the Visakhapatnam Port, to reduce the cost of trade in the country. Mr. Rajan Sharma, Transport and Transit Committee Chair of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, noted that direct access to India's Visakhapatnam Port could bring transformational changes to Nepal's economy. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 June 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund (SDF) and SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry have pledged to collaborate and co-finance projects under the SDF's social, economic and infrastructure windows to promote regional connectivity across the SAARC region. Read More Tags: SAARC CCI, SAARC, Regional Cooperation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Trade, Transport |
 June 2016The 2-day Nepal Power Investment Summit 2016 concluded with a declaration that Nepal needs $20 billion to develop 10,000 megawatts through on-grid hydropower projects in the next decade. It also noted investment needs of $5 billion for high-voltage transmission projects and other opportunities in the country's hydropower sector. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
 May 2016Nepal has forwarded a proposal to set up an India-Nepal energy bank that would help both countries address the problem of power shortage at a meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Standing Committee. The energy bank would enable Nepal to export electricity to India during summer and import electricity from India during winter. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Energy, Hydropower |
 May 2016The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Development Fund (SAARC SDF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a memorandum of understanding to undertake development projects in the South Asian region. Read More Tags: ADB, Transport, SAARC, ICT, Trade, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 May 2016The Government of Nepal has streamlined the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy's (NTIS) list of high value goods and services with export potential, reducing the items from 19 to 12, to promote competitiveness and increase production capacity. According to Nepal Commerce Minister Jayanta Chand, the revised NTIS will allow the Government to focus on enhancing the supply chain. Read More Tags: Nepal, Exports, Trade Integration |
 May 2016Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali paid a courtesy call on the King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The King lauded Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's initiatives to boost Bangladesh-Bhutan bilateral relations, and emphasized the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) cooperation as a platform to achieve regional prosperity. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Bangladesh, BBIN, India, Nepal, Transport, Regional Cooperation |
 May 2016A bilateral meeting led by Bangladesh Senior Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon and Nepal Commerce Secretary Naindra Prasad Upadhyay initiated a number of measures to expand trade volume between the two countries, including removal of technical barriers to trade, harmonization of sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and preferential market access for 158 products. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade, Standards Harmonization, Technical Barriers to Trade |
 May 2016A Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) economic zone may be declared in an upcoming BBIN seminar and business expo to be held in Siliguri, India, according to Mr. Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). Mr. Ahmad was in Thimphu, Bhutan to discuss the upcoming BBIN seminar, as well as opportunities for trade and investment between Bangladesh and Bhutan. Read More Tags: Economic zone, BBIN, Trade, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016A World Customs Organization (WCO) Subregional Workshop on Transit Corridors in South Asia considered improvement of regional transit regimes in the region. Progress of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicle Agreement, as well as national experiences of Japan, Switzerland and Malawi in implementing efficient transit regimes, was discussed. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Transport, BBIN, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016The Economic Cooperation Dialogue on Regional Connectivity and Border Special Development Zones in Eastern South Asia highlighted the importance of transport corridors to promote trade and economic cooperation in the region. Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Head, UNESCAP Subregional Office for South and South-West Asia, shared how developing transport corridors can turn constraints faced by the region's landlocked countries into opportunities. Read More Tags: Trade, Transport, South Asia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016A railway agreement in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal (BBIN) subregion is being proposed, in line with expansion of railway links boosting connectivity between India's Northeast and its BBIN neighbors. According to Mr. Mukul Kumar, Director (Transport), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways, Government of India, this initiative will facilitate cross-border transport of goods and people, and enable efficient multimodal transport system to integrate and sustain the region's economic growth. Read More Tags: BBIN, Rail, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 April 2016The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will create a 'central-level safeguard unit' to focus on preparation of the ADB-supported SASEC Power System Expansion Project in Nepal. The unit will comprise a team of professionals and experts, who will coordinate project issues at the local level, including land acquisition, forest clearance, and right of way. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy |
 April 2016Dr. Selim Reihan notes that drivers of political economy can impact the region's integration agenda. In this essay, Dr. Raihan highlights the importance of exploring the political economy of regional integration to generate a better assessment of the factors driving and constraining regional integration, and create broader awareness among stakeholders to stimulate a more realistic and effective regional policy design and processes. Read More Tags: Economic corridor, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, SAARC, SAFTA, Services, South Asia, Infrastructure, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 April 2016A Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) dialogue on promoting trade in the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) subregion has discussed intraregional trade in South Asia, which remains under 5% despite implementation of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement. According to MCCI, non-tariff measures manifested as non-tariff barriers and para-tariff barriers lead to high transaction costs in cross-border trade, keeping trade volume low. Read More Tags: Trade, BBIN, SAFTA, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 March 2016Mr. Wencai Zhang, Vice-President, Asian Development Bank, discussed ways to accelerate Nepal's economic structural transformation with policy makers, scholars, and Government officials in “Envisioning Nepal 2030”, an international seminar jointly organized by the National Planning Commission and ADB. In his address, he discussed how regional cooperation and integration could turn Nepal from a landlocked to a land-connected country. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, Airports, Hydropower, LLDC |
 March 2016The development of a SAARC Industrial Park is one of the top priorities of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI), and will enable the sharing of technical knowledge for industries and services among SAARC countries, and promote intra-SAARC trade and investment, according to new SAARC CCI President Suraj Vaidya. SAARC CCI will also work toward boosting connectivity in the region. Read More Tags: SAARC CCI, Connectivity, Private Sector, Nepal |
 March 2016The need to ramp up cooperation in energy between Bangladesh and Nepal was discussed by Bangladesh Minister for Information Hasanul Haq Inu at an interaction organized by the Nepal Reporters’ Club. According to the Minister, Bangladesh has already forwarded a proposal for transmission of energy from Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Energy, Nepal |
 February 2016India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli—on his first state visit since assuming office in October 2015—held comprehensive talks in New Delhi, and witnessed the signing of several agreements, including letters of exchange on transit and rail. These agreements will help promote Nepal's trade with third countries by making transport more efficient and less costly. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Transit Facilitation |
 February 2016Regional economic connectivity initiatives, including the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement, can change the business landscape of Bangladesh, said Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque at a meeting of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The BBIN MVA will transform 30 transport corridors into economic corridors, and is set to give subregional businesses a boost. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Transport |
 February 2016The SAARC-ADB First Training Programme of Nodal Points on Updating SAARCSTAT Web Portal was organised by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The Training focused on updating national data available on the SAARCSTAT Web Portal to enhance usability, and equipped representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka with knowledge and capacity to upload and update their information on the website. Read More Tags: SAARC, Trade, Economic cooperation, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 January 2016A 2-day meeting of the Joint Working Committee and Joint Steering Committee on India-Nepal Cooperation in the Power Sector discussed the implementation of the power trade agreement (PTA) signed in September 2014. The Meeting agreed that India will supply Nepal with 300 megawatt of electricity in the next 18 months, and reviewed plans for long-term energy trade, including the proposed 6 cross-border power corridors. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Nepal |
 January 2016International Customs Day is observed in honor of the establishment of the World Customs Organization, an independent intergovernmental body, on 26 January 1952. Nepal Department of Customs shares the week-long program planned in Nepal to mark the occasion. Read More Tags: Customs, Nepal, Trade Facilitation |
 January 2016The third meeting of the Joint Working Group on Subregional Cooperation between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) on Connectivity and Transit and Water Resources Management and Power/Hydropower deliberated new initiatives for deepening cooperation. Discussion centered around progress made under the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement and the proposed BBIN Rail Agreement. Read More Tags: BBIN, Trade Facilitation, Energy, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 January 2016A proposed meeting of SAARC Transport Ministers in Kathmandu, Nepal aims to discuss the SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement and SAARC Regional Railway Agreement, ahead of the 19th SAARC Summit to be held in the latter part of 2016 in Pakistan. The proposed regional transit agreements aim to promote transport connectivity in the region, and to enhance regional economic cooperation and integration. Read More Tags: SAARC, Transport, Trade Facilitation, BBIN, Nepal |
 January 2016A friendship bus service between India and Nepal was re-launched on 4 January 2016, after a gap of 27 years. No special documents are necessary to travel in these buses. Locals with family and trade ties in both countries, who regularly travel this route on a daily basis met the news with much enthusiasm. Read More Tags: Transport, India, Nepal |
 December 2015Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Nepal Minister for Commerce and Supplies Ganesh Man Pun discussed Bangladesh-Nepal trade and other trade-related agreements currently being negotiated on the sidelines of the 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Nairobi, Kenya. The two ministers agreed to complete all bilateral trade agreements and fast-track negotiations to promote bilateral trade ties. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 December 2015On 8 December 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter was signed by Heads of State/Government of SAARC Member States during the First SAARC Summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. SAARC promotes welfare economics, collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia, and accelerated socio-cultural development in the South Asia region. Read More Tags: SAARC, Regional Cooperation, South Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka |
 December 2015South Asia is set to play a strategic role in Asian integration. This commentary by Mr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Advisor in the Asian Development Bank’s Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department, shares how linking emerging South Asia with the more developed member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations will transform regional economies through development of regional connectivity, and create a huge regional market of 2-3 billion people. Read More Tags: South Asia, Economic corridor, Development, ASEAN, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Trade Facilitation, Transport, Tourism, manufacturing, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal |
 November 2015The exchange of export-related data between designated adjacent border crossing points in the SASEC subregion commenced on 30 November 2015. This SASEC Customs Subgroup Subregional Project promotes the exchange of documents at five major border-crossing points between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal, to promote future electronic exchange of data and build a better risk profile of traders. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Customs, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 November 2015A Meeting for the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement (BBIN MVA)on 3-4 December 2015 will finalize the transit fees for goods and passenger vehicles, and discuss other issues, said Bangladesh Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader. Transport of passengers and goods under the BBIN MVA will formally start in January 2016, with initial restrictions in place. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 October 2015Officials from India assured Nepal Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa of increased supplies of essential goods from India. Minister Thapa went on a 3-day visit to New Delhi, where he met with India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Read More Tags: Nepal, India, Trade Facilitation |
 September 2015The Power Grid Corporation of India began power transmission along its first "Power Transmission Express Highway". With a 6,000-megawatt capacity, this power corridor connects the northern states with the North Eastern Region, and will help both manage the supply of large-scale hydropower and connect power transactions done with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal |
 September 2015Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay promotedpartnerships as a way to help landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) become land-linked to global opportunities, saying it is possible to ensure a country is not landlocked economically with its neighbors' full trust and confidence. The Prime Minister was attending a high-level forum for landlocked developing countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Read More Tags: Bhutan, LLDC, Nepal, Energy, India, Trade Facilitation |
 September 2015Bhutan and Nepal conducted an international trade fair from 4-8 September 2015 in Thimphu, Bhutan to boost trade between the two countries. This private sector event recognizes Bhutan as a potential market for a growing number of businesses. A total of 215 business entities from seven countries participated in the fair. Read More Tags: Bhutan, Nepal, Trade, Private Sector |
 August 2015Finance Ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Program met in Kathmandu, Nepal on 20 August 2015 to discuss closer economic and financial cooperation in the region, emphasizing faster trade liberalization and investment in connectivity. This would help strengthen unification in the region, promote inter-country investment, and remove non-tariff barriers among member countries. Read More Tags: Economic cooperation, Nepal, SAARC |
 August 2015Read a commentary on the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) as positive development for the BBIN subregional grouping. The BBIN MVA is a landmark framework agreement that aims to facilitate seamless flow of passenger, personal and cargo vehicular traffic between and among the BBIN countries. Read More Tags: BBIN, Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 August 2015Bangladesh recorded a trade surplus with Nepal in 2014-2015 for the first time in 10 years, due to a decrease in lentil imports. Nepal Transit and Warehousing Company figures show Nepal exported goods worth about $10.8 million, against imports of about $23.9 million last fiscal year. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Trade |
 August 2015The newly-constructed Koshi Bridge, inaugurated by Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on 3 August 2015, improves road connectivity and restores economic activities in the eastern region of Nepal. The bridge provides an alternate route and improves mobility, creating new opportunities for growth. It was constructed with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Read More Tags: Nepal, Infrastructure, Transport |
 August 2015The India-Nepal Cross Border Transport Facilitation Joint Working Group under the bilateral Motor Vehicle Agreement discussed measures to facilitate movement of passenger vehicles across the India-Nepal border. Key recommendations include a web-based solution to issue, monitor, and verify permits, and four new bus routes between India and Nepal. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport |
 July 2015The Government of Nepal unveiled a number of infrastructure projects for transport and energy in its budget for fiscal year 2015-2016 to further boost the country's economic growth. Planned road projects include development of six-lane trade roads and an alternate link road to Kathmandu. The Government is also prioritizing development of airports. Read More Tags: Nepal, Transport, Airports |
 June 2015Nepal's SAARC neighbors, friendly countries and development partners have pledged a total of $4.4 billion in the International Conference on Nepal's Reconstruction to help the country in its rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the recent devastating earthquake. India pledged aid amounting to $1 billion. The Asian Development Bank also announced its readiness to provide up to $400 million in further assistance, bringing its total pledge to $600 million. Read More Tags: Nepal, Disaster Risk Management, SAARC |
 June 2015Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal formed a subregional grouping under the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) Framework, and signed a Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA) allowing seamless transit across each other's territories at the Meeting of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal Transport Ministers on Regional Road Transport Connectivity. Several commentaries from across the region have been published on the BBIN MVA, and are shared below. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, BBIN, Transport |
 May 2015The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) is in talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to install solar lights in remote districts where power distribution was severely damaged by the earthquake. Solar power can provide a temporary solution while NEA repairs its distribution channels. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, Nepal |
 May 2015More than 170 tons of relief goods was sent by India to Nepal using the rail route from Old Delhi to Raxaul, in response to the earthquake in Nepal. Senior officials of India's National Disaster Management Authority supervised this relief effort. India's West Bengal Government also gave assistance by coordinating needed relief items with the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Army. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Transport, Rail |
 April 2015The President of Asian Development Bank conveys deepest sympathies to the people of Nepal following the devastating earthquake of 25 April 2015. Read More Tags: Nepal |
 March 2015The fourth Nepal International Trade Fair, held 12-16 March 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal, highlighted Nepal's 19 priority export products identified by the Nepal Trade Integration Strategy. Business enterprises from other SAARC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan—also joined. A total of 340 stalls exhibited different goods for 5 days, drawing 125,000 visitors, and recorded sales worth over $1.9 million. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade, SAARC, Hydropower |
 February 2015The Nepal Electricity Authority plans to reduce current system loss to 10% by 2020 through several technical and non-technical measures, including unbundling of development and operation of electricity transmission lines. NEA's total energy generation loss in 2013-2014 stood at 25%. It is currently implementing the Energy Access and Efficiency Improvement Project under the SASEC program. Read More Tags: Energy, Hydropower, Nepal |
 February 2015Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala emphasized Nepal's strong engagement in the process of regional cooperation—through membership in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)—as “a major defining feature” of Nepal's foreign policy in a speech delivered at the 67th anniversary of Nepal Council of World Affairs on 18 February 2015. Read More Tags: Nepal, Regional Cooperation, India |
 February 2015The first Bangladesh-Nepal Expo 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal attracted about 100 private businesses and more than 10,000 visitors. Enterprises from Bangladesh showcased the wide variety of products Nepal’s business community can source from Bangladesh. The fair opened potential areas of trade and encouraged entrepreneurs from both countries to create business linkages with each other. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, Nepal, Bilateral Trade, Trade |
 February 2015An agreement that will enable seamless transit of passenger and goods along designated key routes in the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal (BBIN) subregion is in the pipeline. It will reduce costly and time-consuming unloading and loading of people and cargo at border crossing points. The agreement would help transform transport corridors linking BBIN into economic corridors and enhance people-to-people contact. Read More Tags: Transport, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal |
 February 2015Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Takehiko Nakao called on Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala on 3 February 2015 during a visit to Nepal, and met with Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat and National Planning Commission Vice Chairperson Govinda Pokharel. ADB plans to provide about $1 billion in concessional loans and about $13 million in technical assistance grants to Nepal over the next three years to support faster and more inclusive growth in the country. Read More Tags: ADB, Nepal, Energy, Transport, Trade Facilitation |
 January 2015The Power Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Power Development Agreements (PDAs) are recent developments that have renewed optimism in an India-Nepal economic cooperation. The PTA is expected to encourage international investment in Nepal’s hydropower sector while the two PDAs are expected to boost investor confidence in Nepal’s water resources. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Trade |
 January 2015Nepal is currently in an advanced stage of acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) through submission of its Instrument of Accession to the World Customs Organization. In support of Nepal’s accession and future implementation of the provisions of the RKC, a Nepali-language translation has been published under the ADB-financed SASEC Trade Facilitation Program and launched during the 63rd International Customs Day on 26 January 2015. Read More Tags: Nepal, WCO, Customs |
 January 2015The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recognized exemplary project implementation of five best-performing projects on 18 January 2015, naming the Subregional Transport Enhancement Project (STEP), a South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) project in Nepal, Best in Safeguard Monitoring. Read More Tags: Nepal, Trade Facilitation, Transport |
 December 2014The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nepal formed an advisory committee on 27 March 2014 to give suggestions in preparation for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Summit and play a proactive role in the SAARC process, particularly in implementing decisions related to regional integration. On 9 December 2014, the committee evaluated and received feedback on the SAARC Summit, concluding unanimously that the 18th SAARC Summit was a success. Read More Tags: Nepal, SAARC, Regional Cooperation |
 December 2014The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) marked its 30th Charter Day at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal on 8 December 2014. SAARC Secretary General Arjun Bahadur Thapa hosted a reception attended by Nepali Vice President Paramananda Jha as chief guest along with dignitaries, high-ranking government officials, and representatives of civil society, business community, and media. Read More Tags: SAARC, Regional Cooperation, Nepal |
 December 2014The Department of Customs of Nepal and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have concluded the negotiations for Nepal's adoption of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World in November 2014. Read More Tags: ASYCUDA, Trade Facilitation, Nepal |
 November 2014A co-financing agreement for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Power System Expansion Project was signed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 14 November 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The project will improve access to energy in Nepal by increasing electricity access. Read More Tags: Energy, ADB, Nepal |
 November 2014Bhutanese Ambassador Pema Choden, Indian High Commissioner Pankaj Saran, and Nepalese Ambassador Hari Kumar Shrestha visited the Land Customs Stations of Burimari-Changrabandha (Bangladesh-India), Phuentsholing-Jaigaon (Bhutan-India), Kakarbhitta-Panitanki (Nepal-India) and Phulbari-Banglabandha (India-Bangladesh) on 9-12 November 2014. BINA took the land route used by traders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Read More Tags: Bangladesh, India, Nepal |
 November 2014The Government of Nepal has allocated portions of the $1 billion line of credit from India to infrastructure projects boosting energy trade and transport connectivity between the two countries. The Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project will receive around half of the credit; bridges enhancing connectivity of Nepal's western border with India are also planned. Read More Tags: India, Energy, Nepal |
 November 2014Direct flights between Nepal and Sri Lanka—through capital cities Kathmandu and Colombo—are scheduled to resume in early 2015. This move is expected to boost connectivity, further increasing trade and tourism between the two countries. Read More Tags: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Transport |
 October 2014Nepal and India have formally signed a historic Power Trade Agreement (PTA) which paves the way for free trade of power between the two neighboring countries. The signing took place at Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala's office at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu, Nepal on 21 October 2014, with Nepal Energy Secretary Rajendra Kishore Kshatri and India Power Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha in attendance. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, India |
 September 2014Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held separate bilateral meetings with Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. The neighboring leaders discussed their support for the ‘neighborhood first’ policy and affirmed their commitment to South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a regional block that can solve common problems. Read More Tags: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka |
 September 2014The Government of Nepal has requested financing from the Government of India for construction of bridges across the Terai as part of the second phase of a road project linking the East-West Highway to several border points. Around 62 bridges are required for the project. Read More Tags: India, Infrastructure, Nepal, Transport |
 September 2014The Government of Nepal signed the Framework Agreement for Energy+ Cooperation with the Government of Norway, the Government of Denmark, the Asian Development Bank and United Nations Development Program to contribute toward the actual implementation of the Sustainable Energy for All Initiative (SE4ALL). Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, Renewable Energy |
 September 2014Following the meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister Sushil Koirala during Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Kathmandu in August, a project that has waited in the pipeline for 17 years saw new developments. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Hydropower, Nepal |
 September 2014Nepal and India signed a landmark preliminary Power Trade Agreement (PTA) on 4 September 2014, around two weeks ahead of the deadline set by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This PTA paves the way for bilateral trade of electricity between the two countries, and is foreseen to boost their energy security, as well as bring in added revenues to Nepal's economy. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Nepal |
 August 2014Asian Development Bank Vice President Mr. Wencai Zhang met with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Sushil Koirala on 17 August 2014, and assured him of ADB's commitment to help Nepal achieve its vision of graduating from least-developed country status by 2022. Read More Tags: Nepal, Energy, ADB |
 August 2014After striking a similar deal in India, Nepal is set to sign a power trade agreement with Bangladesh. A Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be vetted by Nepal and presented during the power sector cooperation meeting in December, after the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation summit. Hydropower produced in Nepal through power sector cooperation, would be exported to Bangladesh through India's power corridor. Read More Tags: Nepal, Bangladesh, Energy, India |
 August 2014Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a two-day visit to Kathmandu, Nepal on 3-4 August 2014, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 17 years. At a speech delivered to the Parliament of Nepal, Modi announced India’s desire to help Nepal and offered an additional soft loan of US $1 billion for energy projects and infrastructure development. Read More Tags: Energy, India, Nepal, Regional Cooperation, Transport |
 July 2014China initially opened the railway to Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, in 2006 as part of its national plan to boost development. The railway is envisioned to be linked to Rasuwagadhi, Nepal through the Shigatse-Kerung stretch. Rasuwagadhi is about 500 kilometers from Shigatse. There are plans to extend the railway linking Tibet with the rest of the country during 2016-2020 to two separate points on the border of Nepal and on the border of India and Bhutan. Read More Tags: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Transport |
 July 2014 |
 July 2014 |
 July 2014The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a loan of $180 million to Nepal for the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Power System Expansion Project to help Nepal address its urgent power needs. Two government agencies of Nepal are involved in the project – Nepal Electricity Authority to upgrade transmission and distribution lines, and the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre to provide electricity to remote rural areas. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, India |
 June 2014Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Centre has installed its first wind-solar hybrid system in Dhaubadi village of Nawalparasi district, with Asian Development Bank support. The clean energy approach of this successful pilot project, already providing energy services to 46 rural households, can be replicated under a proposed SASEC power system expansion project. Read More Tags: Energy, Nepal, Poverty Reduction, ADB, SASEC |
 May 2014Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance represented the Government of Nepal at the official launch of activities under a $1.5 million technical assistance project financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, on 21 May 2014 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The capacity development technical assistance will support trade facilitation initiatives being carried out under the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Trade Facilitation Program. Read More Tags: Trade Facilitation, Nepal, SASEC, ADB, WCO, Poverty Reduction, Customs |
 November 2012 |
 June 2012 |
 April 2012During the Bilateral Interconnection Agreement Meeting held on 25-27 April 2012 in Manila major telecommunication providers from SASEC countries signed agreements for the direct peering and exchange of internet traffic through high speed fiber-optic links to be built under the Information Highway. Read More Tags: ADB, Bangladesh, Bhutan, ICT, Nepal, Regional Integration |
