Govt pledges to enhance business, trade with China

Kathmandu, Jan. 19

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has expressed his commitment to restore economic and trade relations with China. Nepal's business relations with the northern neighbour have been continuously weakening in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic in early 2020.

"Bringing in more tourists from China to Nepal and expanding investment and trade relations is the priority of the government," he said to a delegation of Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCCI) led by its President, Tribhuwandhar Tuladhar on Thursday. The delegation had called on the PM at his official residence in Baluwatar.

Stating that China has resumed direct flights and trade relations with foreign countries after the COVID-19 epidemic, PM said that he would take initiatives to create an environment where Nepal can benefit from it.

In the meeting, the delegation has submitted various suggestions to expanding economic relations between Nepal and China and requested the government to take initiatives.

Tuladhar suggested that the land border with China should be put into operation in full capacity and the government should make the Chinese side opening the border for tourists along with the import of goods. He also urged PM Prachanda that there is a need to open a branch of a Chinese bank in order to facilitate payment in bilateral trade.

Stating that although Chinese citizens are willing to visit Nepal, there are not enough air flights, the CCI has demanded to arrange flights from various cities in China to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhairahawa. All these cities have international airports.

It also suggested to launch facilitation programme to attract more Chinese tourists to Lumbini.

In order to increase the export of Nepali goods to China, the CCI has made a demand with the Prime Minister that quarantine and accredited labs of both countries should be established at the customs point and the quota system for Nepali goods at the customs should be removed.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 20 January 2023.