Qatar’s Ambassador to Nepal, Mishaal Bin Mohamed Ali Al-Ansari, paid a courtesy visit to Nepal’s Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, at the Ministry today. The meeting focused on enhancing the cordial and cooperative relationship between the two nations.
Minister Bhandari congratulated the Government of Qatar on its upcoming hosting of the third Summit of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ADC) scheduled for later this year. He highlighted the longstanding friendship and mutual understanding that have characterized Nepal-Qatar relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on January 21, 1977.
The Minister acknowledged Qatar’s significant role as a major labor destination for Nepali workers. Currently, approximately 370,000 Nepali citizens are employed across various sectors in Qatar. The establishment of the Nepali Business Association Qatar has further strengthened the economic ties between the two countries.
Minister Bhandari emphasized the potential for increased bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and investment. He expressed hope for further investment from the Government of Qatar and the Qatar Fund for Development. Discussions are underway regarding a proposed agreement aimed at mutual promotion and investment protection between the two governments.
The Minister also noted the importance of promoting bilateral cooperation to reduce Nepal’s trade deficit with Qatar and to find markets for Nepali products, including agricultural goods. He suggested that the direct air connection between the two countries could be leveraged to boost tourism and bilateral trade.
Additionally, Minister Bhandari expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between Nepal and Qatar in various UN and regional forums. In response, Ambassador Al-Ansari positively acknowledged the discussion and invited the Minister for Water to visit Qatar on October 2. He underscored the importance of scaling up mutual assistance to further solidify the bilateral relationship.
