Nepal-Austria Relation
Nepal and Austria entered into diplomatic relations on August 15, 1959. Nepal established its UNV in 2016 and the embassy in Vienna in 2017. Austrian Ambassador to India is concurrently accredited to Nepal, and Austria has Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu.
The relations between two nations have been informed by deep respect, cordial and mutual understanding towards each other. The common stand they profess and project towards the issues pertaining to the world peace, harmony and stability further testifies to the relationship. As for their unreserved commitment to the world peace, both have been the regular troop contributions to the United Nations peace-keeping operations.
Exchange of visits
The exchange of visits at different levels has contributed to buttressing the bilateral relationship. Accordingly, there have been several high level visits between both Nepal and Austria.
From Austria, Minister of State of Economic Cooperation Dr. Adolf Nussbauner visited Nepal in 1978. Dr. Kurt Waldheim, who later became the President of Austria in 1990, paid a visit to Nepal in his capacity as the Secretary General of the United Nations in 1981. Mr.Alois Mock, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Austria, paid an official visit to Nepal from February 9 to 11, 1990, just a few days before the restoration of multi-party system in Nepal.
From Nepal, the then Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala led the Nepalese delegation to the Human Rights Conference in Vienna, Austria, in June 1993. During his stay, he met with various Austrian leaders and exchanged views on matters of mutual interest. This visit was fruitful in further consolidating the relations between the two countries.
Former King late Birendra and Queen late Aishwarya paid an unofficial visit to Austria, in 1986 and 2000. Former King Gyanendra visited Austria in 1993 in the capacity of Prince.
Cooperation
Austria has provided financial assistance for various development projects in Nepal in the past. The key areas of development cooperation involved hydro-electricity, conservation of ancient temples, drinking water and eco-tourism development. Namche Small Hydro Electric Project, Patan Museum, Keshar Mahal Garden of Dreams and Rolwaling eco-tourism are some of the projects to have been completed under the Austrian Cooperation.
At present Austrian cooperation to Nepal is channelled through the mechanism of the European Union and UN.
Trade/Investment
The balance of trade with Austria for the last few years has remained unfavourable for Nepal. The following trade figures reflect the trade transactions of Nepal with Austria for the last few years.
| Value in NRS | |||
| Year | Export | Import |
Trade Balance |
| 2012 | 129, 727, 299 | 234, 433, 813 | – 104, 706, 514 |
| 2013 | 259, 864, 259 | 255, 598, 134 | 4, 266, 125 |
| 2014 | 195, 499, 720 | 988, 082, 115 | – 792, 582, 395 |
| 2015 | 200, 569, 184 | 341, 840, 838 | – 141, 271, 654 |
| 2016 | 243, 153, 735 | 402, 323, 919 | – 159, 170, 184 |
(Source: TEPC, Nepal)
Major Exports to Austria include Nepalese paper and paper products, woollen carpets, handicrafts, ready-made garments, and silverware and jewellery. Likewise, Nepal’s major items of import from Austria in terms of value are machinery and parts and communications equipment.
An agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation between Nepal and Austria was signed on December 15, 2000.
Tourism
As the Austrians are avid mountaineers, there is a strong bond of friendship between Nepal and Austria. A number of famous Austrian climbers have scaled the Himalayan peaks of Nepal.
Tourist Arrival figures from Austria
| S. No | Year | Total Arrivals in Numbers |
| 1 | 2012 | 3, 797 |
| 2 | 2013 | 3, 131 |
| 3 | 2014 | 3, 320 |
| 4 | 2015 | 2, 676 |
| 5 | 2016 | 2, 741 |
Air Service Agreement
Nepal signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement with Austria in 1997.