Nepal-China collaboration in tech-transfer stressed

 Kathmandu, Apr. 11

Private sector and expert on Nepal-China relations have emphasized on enhanced cooperation and collaboration between the two countries in technology transfer especially in agriculture and tourism.

Speaking at the ‘Nepal–China Economic and Business Summit 2025’ held in Kathmandu on Friday, they suggested that both the government and private sector of the two neighbours should play proactive role to strengthen the economic cooperation in the rapidly changing scenario.

Former Prime Minister and Senior Leader of CPN (Unified Socialist), Jhala Nath Khanal, said that Nepal can learn and benefit immensely from the advancement and innovation achieved by China in various business, social, technological and economic sectors.

"We must not doubt the good relations between the two countries. It will be further refined and advanced in the days to come with more cooperation in multiple sectors," he said, "But we have not been able to exploit the immense benefits that could be made from the bilateral cooperation."

Leader Khanal called for facilitation at the immigration and customs as well as at tourism destinations in Nepal in order to attract more Chinese tourists.

According to him, Nepal should start with the transfer of agricultural technology and innovations from China to increase the productivity in agriculture. "It will help us to substitute the imports and increase exports of agricultural products which will benefits the producers, processors and exporters," he said.

Former Finance Minister and Vice-Chairman of CPN-UML, Surendra Pandey, emphasized the need to to create an environment for tourism exchange with China in order to strengthen Nepal's fragile economy.

According to him, if an environment can be created to attract five million Chinese tourists to Nepal annually, the country’s economy would be significantly strengthened in a short period, resulting in substantial changes to the GDP.

He also said that Nepal should move forward by capitalising on its domestic production and that a strong economy cannot be built solely on donor assistance without becoming productive.

Stating that China has significant role in the development of various sectors in Nepal, including the economy, he said that Nepal has always remained steadfast in its support of the ‘One China’ policy.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 12 April 2025.