KATHMANDU, April 3: Nepal and Thailand have signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the historic visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to Thailand. This marks the first official visit by a Nepali prime minister to Thailand since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago.
Prime Minister Oli and his Thai counterpart, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, witnessed the signing of the MoUs, which include two agreements at the government level and six from the non-government sector. Before the signing ceremony, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting, discussing political and economic ties, trade, aviation, tourism, culture, and development cooperation. They also addressed regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Thailand's Minister for Culture, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, signed an MoU to promote cultural cooperation. Similarly, Dr. Deuba and Thai Minister for Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, inked an agreement on tourism collaboration.
Additional MoUs were signed between Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Mahidol University, Janata Agro and Forestry Nepal and Kasetsart University, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Board of Trade of Thailand, and Kathmandu University and Siam University. These agreements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation in their respective fields. The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Federation of Thai Industries, as well as the Nepal Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Council of Thailand, also signed MoUs.
At a joint press conference after the meeting, Prime Minister Shinawatra announced Thailand's commitment to increasing investment in Nepal’s aviation and tourism sectors. She expressed a willingness to expand Thai Airlines flights to Kathmandu and introduce direct flights to Lumbini.
Shinawatra also highlighted Thailand’s interest in prioritizing investments in Nepal’s energy, hospitality, and aviation industries. Calling the visit historic, she emphasized that the discussions focused on enhancing connectivity and trade partnerships between the two nations.
Speaking at the press conference, Prime Minister Oli stated that the visit had elevated Nepal-Thailand relations. He expressed optimism that mutual cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and energy would further strengthen.
Reflecting on the six-decade-long diplomatic ties, Prime Minister Oli stressed the need for expanding bilateral engagement, including people-to-people connections. He encouraged Thai businesses to invest in Nepal’s hospitality and air services.
A Milestone in Nepal-Thailand Ties
"Nepal and Thailand share deep-rooted agricultural, trade, tourism, and cultural ties. I urge the Thai business community to explore investment opportunities in Nepal," he said. "We will also collaborate on global issues, including climate change." Oli extended an invitation to Prime Minister Shinawatra to visit Nepal.
Prime Minister Oli, who arrived in Bangkok on Tuesday, is leading the Nepali delegation at the BIMSTEC Summit and undertaking Nepal’s first official visit to Thailand in 65 years.
During his visit, he will engage with Thai business leaders, deliver an address at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), and announce Nepal’s $100,000 contribution to the institution.
At the BIMSTEC Summit, Oli will participate in discussions on trade, investment, infrastructure, and food security. The summit is set to endorse key agreements, including the Bangkok Vision 2030 and a Maritime Transport Cooperation pact.
Prime Minister Oli is accompanied by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Chief Advisor Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Economic Advisor Yuba Raj Khatiwada, and other senior officials. He is scheduled to return to Nepal on Saturday.
FNCCI and Thai Chamber of Commerce sign MoU to boost trade
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade signed an MoU to strengthen trade cooperation.
FNCCI President Chandra Dhakal and Thai Board of Trade Chair Sanan Angubolkul signed the agreement in the presence of Prime Ministers Oli and Shinawatra. The MoU aims to enhance bilateral trade and outline investment expansion strategies.
"Both sides are committed to fostering collaboration in trade fairs, joint industrial projects, and commercial forums," FNCCI said in a statement. The agreement is expected to significantly boost trade ties between Nepal and Thailand.
CNI and FTI sign MoU for investment promotion
The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) signed an MoU to promote investment and business cooperation.
CNI President Rajesh Kumar Agrawal and FTI Chair Kriengkrai Thiennukul signed the agreement, which covers investment promotion, economic research, training, and policy exchange.
CNI President Agrawal expressed confidence that the MoU would attract Thai investment to Nepal, positioning the country as an appealing destination for foreign investors. He emphasized that Nepal’s recent legal reforms offer significant opportunities for international businesses.
Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh and Mahidol University sign MoU to advance eye care services
Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) and Thailand’s Mahidol University signed an MoU in Bangkok to advance eye care services through knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and collaborative programs.
The agreement was signed by Prof. Dr. Chet Raj Pant, Chairman of NNJS, and Clinical Professor Artit Ungkanont, M.D., Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University.
Under the MoU, NNJS and Mahidol University will collaborate on eye care programs, including screenings and medical interventions in Nepal, Thailand, and beyond.
According to Dr. Sailesh Kumar Mishra, Executive Director of NNJS, this partnership marks a significant milestone in the fight against preventable blindness in South Asia. The agreement also includes provisions for training, internship exchanges, and fellowships to enhance the expertise of ophthalmologists and eye care professionals.
Established in 1888, Mahidol University is Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious medical institution, recognized for its contributions to medical research and education.
Founded in 1978, NNJS is a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to accessible eye care services in Nepal. With 28 hospitals, 224 eye care centers, and 45 district branches, NNJS serves over three million individuals annually and conducts more than 300,000 eye surgeries each year. This agreement signifies a new chapter in Nepal-Thailand cooperation, reinforcing their shared commitment to high-quality eye care and the reduction of preventable blindness, NNJS stated.
