Regarding business relations, the total trade volume between the two countries is approximately NRS 8 billion. Major Nepali exports to the United Kingdom are woolen carpets, handicrafts, readymade garments, silverware and jewelry, leather goods, Nepali paper, and paper products. In contrast, Nepal’s major imports from the UK include copper scraps, stiff drinks, cosmetics, medicine and medical equipment, textiles, copper wire rod, machinery and parts, aircraft and spare parts, scientific research equipment, office equipment, and stationery.
Besides, some British joint ventures in tourism, the hospitality industry, software packaging, readymade garments, and hydro-power. Some Nepali entrepreneurs are actively involved in the hospitality industry and restaurant business in different cities in the UK.
Hundreds of Nepali students are also enrolled in British universities for higher studies. The UK is considered a destination for Nepali students to pursue higher studies, though there have been many problems with students joining British Universities in recent years.
British Army in the Himalayas
Nepal and the United Kingdom have had a unique relationship for over 200 years. Britain has committed to increasing aid to Nepal, and the development projects are operated through bilateral and multilateral agencies such as the European Union and the United Nations. British Council allows Nepalis to learn English on a basic and advanced level and organizes programs to strengthen cultural and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
Thousands of British tourists visit Nepal yearly for trekking, mountaineering, and holiday purposes. The total number of British tourists was 37,765 in 2000, whereas 34,502 (by air only) in 2011. Nepal is lagging in attracting British tourists to Nepal without planned tourism promotion and the problem of direct air connectivity to the United Kingdom. Many British mountaineers join different expeditions each year to climb the Himalayas of Nepal.
Despite various problems and challenges Nepal has faced in recent years, Nepal is considered a pristine tourist destination in the international market. British tourists visit Nepal to explore and experience the majestic Himalayas, unparalleled natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, and world heritage sites. British tourists visiting Nepal have emphasized developing quality tourism in this Himalayan country and making Nepal – the safest tourist destination in the world.
Nepal has participated in the leading global event for the travel industry –World Travel Market (WTM), held on November 5-8 each year in London for a long time. As WTM is a vibrant business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals, it is a unique opportunity for Nepal to promote its tourism products in the global travel market. Nepal expects more tourists from its traditional and new markets, including Britain, in the future.
The writer is the editor of Online Paper on Travel and Tourism and former editor-in-chief of Gorkhapatra Daily
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