Nepal and Australia held the first meeting of their Joint Trade and Investment Committee under the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement (TIFA) on Shrawan 7, 2083 BS (July 23, 2026), marking an important step toward strengthening bilateral economic relations. According to a press release issued by Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the meeting was jointly led by Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadi, Secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Australian Ambassador to Nepal Simon Ernst and senior government officials from both countries also participated in the discussions.

During the meeting, the Nepali delegation emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral trade and investment, strengthening economic cooperation and increasing exports of high-value Nepali products, including tea, coffee, cardamom, pashmina, carpets, herbs and handicrafts. Nepal also shared information on recent policy reforms aimed at improving the foreign investment environment and highlighted opportunities for Australian investment in hydropower, renewable energy, information technology, agricultural processing industries, tourism and infrastructure development. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen commercial partnerships and improve market opportunities for Nepali products in Australia.

The Australian delegation expressed willingness to cooperate on biosecurity and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, particularly to support agricultural trade and compliance with market requirements. Discussions also covered expanding institutional cooperation in the trade and investment sectors, as well as the contribution of Nepali students and the diaspora in Australia through their knowledge, skills and investment to Nepal’s economic development.

Both countries agreed to prepare an action plan to implement the priority areas identified during the meeting and maintain regular institutional dialogue to advance bilateral cooperation. The ministry stated that the meeting established an important foundation for making Nepal–Australia trade and investment relations more effective, results-oriented and sustainable. However, the press release does not announce any newly signed investment contracts, specific financial commitments or finalized implementation deadlines.