Diplomatic Relations:
Nepal and the Portuguese Republic established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1976. The two countries enjoy cordial, friendly and cooperative relations. Growing people-to-people contacts have further cemented these relations.
At present, Nepali Embassy in Paris, France is concurrently accredited to Portugal and Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi is concurrently accredited to Nepal. Portugal has maintained its Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu.
In October 2023, the Government of Nepal has decided to open a residential Embassy in Portugal considering the growing engagements between the two countries, including, inter alia, increasing number of Nepalis in Portugal.
Exchange of visits:
Exchange of high-level visits gives momentum to the existing bilateral relations. However, there exists very few exchanges of high-level visits between the two countries. Foreign Minister Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali visited Portugal in July 2018 and held bilateral talks with his Portuguese counterpart.
Bilateral Consultation Mechanism:
A Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and Portugal was signed in July 2018. The Mechanism provides an opportunity to discuss bilateral, regional and international affairs as well as explore the possibilities of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Parliamentary Cooperation:
Nepal-Portugal Parliamentary Friendship Group was formed in the Federal Parliament of Nepal in 2018, which has been re-constituted in December 2024.
Development Cooperation, Trade and Investment:
There exists no direct bilateral economic/development cooperation between Nepal and Portugal so far. However, Portugal, being an EU member, extends its cooperation to Nepal through the EU.
Looking at the trade data of last few years, the balance of trade remains in favour of Portugal. The table below reflects the export/import trends between the two countries.
Value in USD
|
Year |
Export |
Import |
Balance |
|
2021 |
214,000 |
582,000 |
-368,000 |
|
2022 |
183,000 |
490,000 |
-307,000 |
Source: TEPC
Major exports to Portugal are Nepalese paper and paper products, woollen carpets, handicrafts, ready-made cotton garments and accessories, and silverware and jewellery, raw hides, and percussion instruments. Likewise, Nepal's major items of import from Portugal are personal deodorants, sparkling wine, medicaments, footwear, safety headgear, corks and stoppers.
The investment from Portugal stands minimal. As of July 2023, there is only one project so far with the Portuguese FDI of NRs. 2.5 million, creating 23 jobs.
Tourism and People-to-People relations:
The relations between the two countries have been enforced by the people-to-people contacts. The number of Nepali expatriates in Portugal has been growing each year and it is estimated to have reached 40,000. Similarly, Nepal welcomes around 4,500 Portuguese tourists every year. The presence of a vibrant Nepali community in Portugal and visit of Portuguese tourists to Nepal every year have greatly contributed to foster the Nepal-Portugal relations at the peoples’ level.
Europe and the Americas Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
As of January 2025
