China assisted projects in Nepal to gain momentum

Kathmandu, Aug. 10

China and Nepal have agreed to expedite the implementation of China-assisted projects in Nepal. The former has assured the Nepal that China will soon start the construction works of the second phase of Kathmandu Ring Road Improvement Project, the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

The agreement was made at a meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Narayan Khadka and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Quindao of China on Wednesday.

Minister Dr. Khadka is on a 3-day entourage of the northern neighbour, till 11 August, at the invitation of Wang. He had left Kathmandu on Tuesday evening.

Chinese Fm Wang also announced that China will carry out the feasibility study of Keyrung-Kathmandu Railway under the grant assistance. He also assured support for pre-feasibility study of Nepal-China cross border transmission line as agreed during his official visit to Nepal in March 2022.

Projects like the expansion of Kathmandu Ring Road's Kalanki-Narayan Gopal Chok (9.5 km) section, pre-feasibility of Tokha-Chhahare tunnel and cross-border railway have been stuck due to the pandemic and other reasons.

China to support Rs. 15 billion

On the occasion, State Councilor Wang Yi announced to provide 800 million RMB (about Rs. 15 billion) to Nepal for the year 2022. 

Nepal has requested China to provide chemical fertilizer to Nepal, and in response the Chinese side assured that it will positively consider the proposal and to study the feasibility of establishing a chemical fertilizer factory in Nepal," read the statement by the embassy.

Wang also agreed to encourage Chinese investment in developing manufacturing capacity of Nepal and enhance cooperation in the export of Nepali tea and traditional medicinal herbs.

Opening of Tatopani, Rasuwa border

The two Foreign Ministers decided to establish a joint mechanism for pandemic control in border ports. They also agreed to open Rasuwa-Kyerung and Tatopani-Jangmu ports for two-way trade and Hilsa-Pulang port for one way trade which will take place as soon as the fresh wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Tibet Autonomous Region of China is controlled. 

In support of people being affected by disasters and natural calamities in different parts of Nepal, China announced to provide Nepal with 3 million RMB (about Rs. 56.7 million) worth of disaster relief materials as per Nepal’s request. It will also provide additional 2 million RMB (about 37.8 million) worth of medical items and logistics. The State Councilor also announced that China will provide additional COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 related medical assistance as much as Nepal may require.

China to establish CAR T cells lab

Likewise, China would also provide support to establish Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR T cells) manufacturing laboratory in Civil Service Hospital to treat blood cancer and provide necessary training to Nepali health professionals. The meeting also concluded that all the remaining Nepali students who wish to return to China can proceed for visa procedures, while fulfilling the health protocols, to resume their studies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a tweet that the two ministers took stock of all aspects of Nepal-China relations and agreed to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting, FM Dr. Khadka reiterated Nepal’s unwavering commitment to 'One China Policy' and assured that the Nepali territory will not be allowed to be used for any activity against China. His visit to the north is happening at the time when Sino-USA tensions escalated following the visit of the US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan – the island nation that China considers as its part.

In response, Wang also reiterated China’s continued and unconditional support to Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and assured to support in Nepal’s development endeavors as per the priority of the Government of Nepal. 

"The two Foreign Ministers also expressed their commitment for the timely implementation of the agreements signed and understandings reached during high-level visits in the past," read the statement by the embassy.

Both sides agreed to form a bilateral technical committee to do necessary preparation towards the functioning of existing mechanism of Nepal-China Joint Boundary Inspection Committee.

 Published in The Rising Nepal dain 11 August 2022.