Dimensions and prospects of Nepal-Australia relations
News Desk
Feb-12 , 2023 तारिख 11:36 बिहान

 D.AN. Ghising

It has been six decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations between landlocked Nepal and waterlogged Australia. The 63rd anniversary of the two countries is coming together on February 15, 2023. There has been significant progress in the intercultural and commercial levels between Nepal and Australia.   Diplomatic expansion in bilateral relations has not only expanded the introduction of the country but also increased the responsibility. The United Nations has adopted the policy of establishing bilateral relations with all member states. Saying this, the relationship between the two countries is more than a century long. Formally, on February 15, 1960, the establishment of the Australian diplomatic mission in Kathmandu strengthened the formal relationship. Nepal established its diplomatic mission in Canberra, Australia only  50 years ago. In 2007, a resident Nepalese embassy was established in Canberra, Australia. 

 Looking back at history, the diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia in the 40s are very memorable. Because, at that time, there was a high-level official visit and exchange of assistance between the two countries. This can be considered as a beginning. This is also a very big achievement for both nations.

 "Looking back at history, the diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia in the 40s are very memorable. Because, at that time, there was a high-level official visit and exchange of assistance between the two countries. This can be considered as a beginning. This is also a very big achievement for both nations."

 In the First World War in 1915, Gurkha soldiers fought for Australia and New Zealand in Turkey's Gallipoli through the British Army's Gurkha Regiment. Since then, the sign of a mutual relationship between the two countries is still of equal importance.

Australia has been giving special importance to the presence of Gurkha soldiers in the parade that is celebrated throughout Australia to commemorate the Gallipoli war. In the last 62 years of the establishment of relations, there has been no formal visit by the two countries at the ministerial or prime ministerial level.  

Both countries have set guidelines for economic and social change. It seems that the intermingling between the citizens of the two countries takes place due to cultural and environmental attraction. Although there is uniformity in the modern political model between Nepal and Australia, in the social and economic situation, the two countries have been facing the same challenge to maintain a balance. Compared to Nepal, Australia is far ahead in terms of modern development. Not only in terms of policy reform but also in terms of practicality, Australia stands at the forefront in terms of global economic access.

"Both countries have set guidelines for economic and social change. It seems that the intermingling between the citizens of the two countries takes place due to cultural and environmental attraction. Although there is uniformity in the modern political model between Nepal and Australia, in the social and economic situation, the two countries have been facing the same challenge to maintain a balance. Compared to Nepal, Australia is far ahead in terms of modern development. Not only in terms of policy reform but also in terms of practicality, Australia stands at the forefront in terms of global economic access."

   Cultural changes associated with British colonization have led to the adoption of English-language in Australia. At the end of the 17th century, England took control of Australia and brought uniformity in language, law, education, and even culture. Since Australia is based on British English, most of the languages have the same vocabulary.  There is no comparative difference between Nepal and Australia in terms of population. Geographically, Nepal is divided into three parts: the Himalayas, mountains, and plains. Nepal is the 93rd largest country in the world by area, while Australia is the sixth largest country in the world in terms of geography. Australia is the smallest continent biologically. It is also a beautiful country with a wide variety of geographical areas.       

 Australia has been providing scholarships to Nepali students under the Colombo Plan since 1954 without the establishment of Nepal's formal relationship with Australia. By providing scholarships to students of various disciplines, Australia has trained Nepal's manpower in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, foreign service, medicine, engineering, aviation, radio broadcasting, etc. And study support was provided continuously.

Currently, Australia has become the center of multinational cultural civilization. Mainly, the immigration policy has brought about a big change at the community level. There is also a significant settlement of Nepalis in Australia. Therefore, Nepal's cultural relationship with Australia is of special importance. Australia has been handing over assistance to Nepal in natural disasters. On the other hand, Nepal has also maintained harmony during the calamity in Australia.

Australia, which carries the identity of the continent on the world map, has not only limited its relationship with Nepal to formalities but has been presenting and demonstrating the behavior of a good friend in an objective manner.In the case of Nepal, the Australian government's support to developing countries has a special budget compared to other countries. In accordance with the new budget of the Australian government every year, Nepal has increased its budget allocation under the bilateral direct aid program.

"Australia, which carries the identity of the continent on the world map, has not only limited its relationship with Nepal to formalities but has been presenting and demonstrating the behavior of a good friend in an objective manner.In the case of Nepal, the Australian government's support to developing countries has a special budget compared to other countries. In accordance with the new budget of the Australian government every year, Nepal has increased its budget allocation under the bilateral direct aid program."

In terms of strengthening the bilateral relations between Australia and Nepal, it has been mentioned in the budget that the two countries will work together in Nepal's health security, stability, economic reform, Australia Award, volunteer program. Although there are additions to the budget every year It is mentioned in the data that billions of money have been injected into Nepal in the development program.       

 Commercial reforms and challenges.

Nepal and Australia have been sharing the challenge of practical management of the economy after the covid epidemic. It will be fruitful if third country Nepal can create an opportunity by absorbing the fate of supply and management of hungry skilled workers from Australia. 

The possibility of commercial scale that Nepal can take advantage of The Australian government's aid to developing countries in the context of Nepal has a special budget compared to other countries. In the Australian government's new budget every year, the budget has been allocated for Nepal under the bilateral direct aid program.

In terms of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Australia and Nepal, it is also mentioned in the budget that the two countries will work together on Nepal's health security, stability, economic reform, Australia Award, and volunteer program. It seems that there is an increase in the annual budget under aid. According to the statistics, billions of funds have been brought into Nepal under the development program.

"In terms of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Australia and Nepal, it is also mentioned in the budget that the two countries will work together on Nepal's health security, stability, economic reform, Australia Award, and volunteer program. It seems that there is an increase in the annual budget under aid. According to the statistics, billions of funds have been brought into Nepal under the development program."

Both Nepal and Australia have been facing the challenge of practical management of the economy after the Covid epidemic. It seems that it will be fruitful if the third country Nepal can create opportunities by absorbing the destiny of supply and management of skilled workers by Australia. Basically, Australia's economic policy towards China has affected the world economy. It seems that the possibility of commercial level that Nepal can benefit from should be explored.
 There is no direct land route or sea transport between Nepal and Australia. For this reason, further improvement work can be carried out by using the transport of neighboring countries. The direct operation of air means is also a challenge. The high-level commercial debate can be pointed out.

 A large number of students are now going to Australia from Nepal for higher education. Therefore, Australia is becoming a major destination of choice for higher education. Due to the loose immigration policy, Australia has become a center of attraction for Nepalis. It seems that Nepali people are longing to secure their future in Australia in the midst of a big country, a small population, and many possibilities.

 After China and India, Nepal is the country that sends the third largest number of international students to Australia. The dependent visa that Australia gives along with the student visa also keeps the way of earning an income open. Also, there are many Nepalese people who have reached there and set up homesteads due to the desire to enjoy modern life with luxury. The direct effect of which has reached Nepal's remittance service.                        

Great support can be taken from Australia in modern technology such as advanced agriculture and animal husbandry. There is a demand for 50,000 agricultural workers every year in Australia, which is an important opportunity. If Nepal can also take initiative in the quota of agricultural workers, which is considered to be very good and profitable, it seems that both countries will benefit economically.

 It seems that it would be appropriate to study and discuss the opportunities for direct foreign investment in Nepal, the identification of items that can be imported to Australia, etc. A powerful means of economic growth is to establish industries and factories. There is no doubt that it will be strengthened. Therefore, with the aim of increasing trade, investment, and partnership between the two countries, it is necessary to study and research the multifaceted possibilities of trade and transportation at the commercial level.

      Australian tourist attractions in Nepal

  Nepal has also become a destination for Australian tourists who are fascinated by the environment and the snow peaks. Some of them come to Nepal because of the emotional connection of the game of cricket with South Asia. Thousands of tourists who come to visit Nepal every year come with a pre-planned tour schedule.In addition, the highest peak Everest and the ten highest mountains in the world have contributed significantly to the promotion of tourism in Nepal. On the one hand, there is a rumor that tourism has not been promoted due to the lack of proper promotion of the destination Nepal and the environment.
 

Additional activities of tourism promotion such as entertainment and sports activities can be found in the high Himalayan base area, and the income source of Nepal can be strengthened. There is a possibility that Australia can provide support for Nepal's tourism promotion. Australia is also a country that values labor. The average income of its citizens is also high in the world. Therefore, if the message is delivered wisely in Australia that Nepal is the best destination in the world to enjoy Nepal's mountain climbing, hiking, jungle safari, water sports, cultural and heritage viewing, etc. there is a high possibility of benefits achievement to Nepal.