Nepal, Bangladesh pledge to share best practices for LDC Graduation

KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 18: Nepal and Bangladesh, both set to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2026, have highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and best practices for a successful transition.

During a courtesy call on Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, in Dhaka yesterday afternoon, Nepal's Ambassador, Ghanshyam Bhandari, emphasized the need to strengthen economic ties through trade, transit, and connectivity. Both nations discussed ways to consolidate bilateral relations and unlock their economic potential.

Energy cooperation emerged as a key area of focus. Bhandari proposed exporting 40 MW of hydropower from Nepal to Bangladesh through Indian transmission lines, emphasizing its potential to transform sub-regional energy cooperation. He also expressed satisfaction with the growing people-to-people contacts, educational linkages, and tourism exchanges between the two countries.

Yunus echoed Bhandari's views, emphasizing the benefits of harnessing hydropower potential to achieve net-zero emissions. He urged for the early realization of this mutually beneficial cooperation.

Bhandari thanked the Bangladesh government for its support to Nepali nationals, particularly students, during recent protests. He expressed hope for continued support in the future.

The two countries also discussed cooperation at regional and international forums, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing SAARC and BIMSTEC.

Bhandari congratulated Yunus on his appointment and conveyed a congratulatory letter from Nepal's Prime Minister, K P Sharma Oli. He reiterated Nepal's solidarity with Bangladesh during its current transitional period. Yunus appreciated Nepal's support and noted the strong bilateral relations between the two countries.