Diplomatic Relations:
Nepal and Switzerland established diplomatic relations in November 1956. Official development cooperation from Switzerland to Nepal began in 1959. The Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations and International Organizations based in Geneva is accredited as Embassy of Nepal to Switzerland. Switzerland opened its residential Embassy in Kathmandu in 2009.
Having similar geo-political situation as landlocked countries, Nepal attaches great importance to her relations with Switzerland, which are based on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation. Switzerland has been a consistent development supporter of Nepal and has also extended her support to the democratic movements and peace process of Nepal.
Nepal-Switzerland Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed in the Federal Parliament of Nepal in December 2024 to further strengthen parliamentary relations between the two countries.
Exchange of visits: Nepal-Swiss relations have been nurtured and cemented by the exchange of high-level visits. Such visits include the visit of the heads of the states and government and other high-level dignitaries. Recently, Right Honourable President Mr. Ramchandra Paudel visited Switzerland from 11-14 June 2024 and held a bilateral meeting with the President of Swiss Confederation. Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament, Rt. Hon. Mr. Devraj Ghimire and the Chairman of the National Assembly of the Federal Parliament Rt. Hon. Mr. Narayan Prasad Dahal visited Switzerland during 23-27 March 2024 and 13-17 October 2024 respectively to participate in the 148th & 149th Sessions of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Bilateral Consultation Mechanism:
The MOU on establishing Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) between the Foreign Ministries of Nepal and Switzerland was signed on 04 November 2015. The first meeting of the BCM was held in Kathmandu in May 2016. In April 2024, the mechanism held its fourth meeting in Bern. In the BCM meeting, the entire spectrum of Nepal-Switzerland relations including economic ties, development partnerships, multilateral cooperation and contemporary global issues such as climate change, and human rights, among others, are discussed.
Development Cooperation:
Switzerland’s cooperation to Nepal dates back to the 1950s. Economic cooperation programme was initiated in 1956 with technical assistance scheme for cheese production in the eastern high hills. Since 1963, Nepal has been a priority country for Swiss development cooperation. The Swiss Government, through the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation (SDC) has been initiating various development projects in Nepal after being founded in 1961. The post-earthquake pledge from Switzerland was important for conducting reconstruction works. Switzerland has also helped Nepal’s fight against COVID-19 by providing medicines and test equipment.
In 2023, the Swiss government announced completion of construction of 10,000 trail bridges all over Nepal under the SDC.
Besides economic cooperation, the Swiss government offers technical assistance, since Nepal and Switzerland signed the Agreement on Technical Cooperation. Switzerland is also one of the contributors to the World Bank administered multi-donor trust fund in Nepal.
In partnership with the Government of Nepal and guided by the Agenda 2030 of the United Nations, Switzerland supports the democratic process of Nepal. The Swiss Cooperation Programme 2023-26 aims to contribute to the improvement of socio-economic wellbeing of women and men and support an inclusive and accountable federal state in Nepal.
Nepal and Switzerland signed UDAYA—Investment and Innovation for Economic Development Project, which focus on growth and innovation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Koshi Province.
Air Service Agreement
Nepal and Switzerland signed Air Service Agreement (ASA) on 06 February 2024. Switzerland is 42nd country with which Nepal has an ASA.
Trail Based Tourism Development Project
Trail-based Tourism Development Project is a bilateral initiative between governments of Nepal and Switzerland. In this partnership, the aim is to develop trails that are environmentally sustainable and culturally diversified in the Koshi Province. The project aims at increasing income of Nepalese people through the promotion of trail-based tourism. By attracting national and regional visitors along safe and scenic trails, it will contribute to preserve social and cultural heritage while generating local revenues. The project period will be May 2024-July 2028.
Trade and Investment:
Nepal-Switzerland trade relations have witnessed growth over the years. The balance of trade is highly unfavourable to Nepal. Major Nepali exports to Switzerland consist of tea, coffee, mate, spices, green tea, ginger, cinnamon, fenugreek, plants and parts of plants, sugar, dog or cat food, malt extracts, essential oils, hand knotted woollen carpets, ready-made garments, handicrafts, woollen goods, Nepalese paper and paper products, hides and silverware and jewellery.
Similarly, Nepal imports time pieces, pharmaceutical products, chemicals, construction material, transport equipment, machinery and parts, medical equipment, etc. from Switzerland. Status of bilateral trade over the past few years is as follows:
|
Year |
Export (in US dollars) |
Import (in US dollars) |
|
2020 |
3,152,874 |
20,574,546 |
|
2021 |
3,389,116 |
63950310 |
|
2022 |
4,214,170 |
22,312,779 |
|
|
|
|
Source: TEPC, Nepal
In 2016, Nepal Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NSCCI) was established in Kathmandu with the view to creating a new platform to develop new trade opportunities that benefits both nations in terms of business, culture and social exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Swiss–Nepali Society, a Switzerland based friendship society, is also active in Nepal in various social works and small-scale development works in Nepal.
Investment
The Department of Industry data reveals that there is a total of 63 projects approved with total Swiss investment of Rs. 3.04 billion until 15 July 2023, which created 1,641 jobs.
Scholarships and training facilities
Switzerland has been regularly providing some scholarships and training facilities to Nepalese students and professionals.
Tourism:
Every year thousands of Swiss tourists visit Nepal for leisurely activities. The data below reveals the tourist incoming from Switzerland:
|
Year |
Number of Tourists |
|
2018 |
8,629 |
|
2019 |
8,112 |
|
2023 |
6,049 |
Europe and the Americas Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
As of January 2025
