Diplomatic Relations:
Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Sweden were established on 10 June 1960. The Nepali Ambassador in Copenhagen is concurrently accredited to Sweden. Similarly, Swedish Ambassador based in New Delhi is accredited to Nepal. Both the Governments have appointed Honorary Consuls in each other’s capital cities. Bilateral relations between Nepal and Sweden are based on friendliness, cooperation, equality and mutual interest. Both the countries hold similar views on many international issues, have voiced for international peace and stability, and have made significant contribution to UN peacekeeping activities.
High Level Visits/ Meetings:
From Nepal:
A Nepalese delegation led by Hon. Minister for Water Resources visited Nordic countries including Sweden in 1985. A parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Mr. Daman Nath Dhungana visited Sweden in 1993. Mr. Chakra Prasad Bastola, then Minister for Foreign Affairs, paid a visit to Sweden in September 2000. Leaders have visited various cities of Sweden in connection with participation in international meetings.
From Sweden:
- A delegation of Swedish Parliamentarians and officials from UNDP Sweden and UNDP Nepal, led by Hon. Ms. Margareta Cederfeldt visited Nepal in February 2018 (18-23 February). The delegation had a meeting with Nepali authorities including the Foreign Secretary, Mr Shanker Das Bairagi at the Ministry on 21 February 2018.
- Her Excellency, Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden, Ms. Isabella Lovin visited Nepal in April 2016.
- Special Representative of the Government of Sweden for Environment, H.E. Ms Lena Ek visited Nepal on November 2015.
- E. Mr Michael Fruhling, Ambasador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden visited Nepal to participate in the ICNR held in Kathmandu on 25 June 2015.
- Minister of Justice Mr. Thomas Bodstrom visited Nepal in January 2004.
- King Carl Gustav XVI and Queen Sylvia made a brief transit at the Tribhuvan International Airport in 1993.
- Minister for International Development Cooperation visited Nepal in 1992.
Development Cooperation:
Sweden’s support to the movement for democracy, peace and human rights has contributed in developing close relations between the two countries. Bilateral economic cooperation between Nepal and Sweden is yet to be started at a desired level, though. Sweden has been supporting Nepal indirectly through multilateral agencies on training programmes aimed at rural gainful employment activities. Sweden has been funnelling its aid through the mechanisms of the EU, NGOs and UN agencies. A number of scholarships are being offered to Nepali personnel involved in technical fields by various Swedish agencies.
Sweden made significant pledge of support for the reconstruction of Nepal following the 2015 earthquakes.
Trade/Investment:
The amount of bilateral trade remains at a modest level, and the balance of trade between Nepal and Sweden is in favor of Sweden in the past few years, as reflected by the following table: Value in US $
| Year | Export | Import | Trade Balance |
| 2014 | 1,202,755 | 7,892,093 | -6,689,338 |
| 2015 | 1,111,347 | 4,953,097 | -3,841,750 |
| 2016 | 1,149,750 | 10,253,269 | -9,103,519 |
| 2017 | 1,241,495 | 5,906,275 | -4,664,780 |
| 2018 | 1,333,913 | 4,885,663 | -3,551,750 |
| 2019 | 414,738 | 1,907,373 | -1,492,635 |
Source: TEPC
Major export items to Sweden include carpet, knotted of wool, garments, leather items and pashmina, while import items are machinery and parts and medical equipment. Major import items include dairy products, alcoholic beverages, plastics and rubber items, etc.
On Investment, the Department of Industry data revealed that there is a total of 19 projects approved with the total Swedish investment of Rs. 130.70 million until 15 July 2020, creating 903 jobs.
Tourism:
Considering bright prospects of tourist arrival from the European countries, Sweden needs to be explored and developed as potential source country. Swedes have interest in mountaineering and cultural heritages, among others. The tourist arrival from Sweden in the past few years are:
| Year | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| Number of Tourists | 2,814 | 2,658 | 3,822 | 4,243 | 3,911 |
Europe and the Americas Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 2020