Chinese language training starts

 Kathmandu, Jun. 6

Chinese language training for Nepal’s tourism professionals and entrepreneurs began on Friday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the training programme, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey expressed confidence that the training would contribute significantly to the promotion of Nepal’s tourism.

“Knowledge of the Chinese language will serve as a bridge between Nepal and China, and I believe it will help promote tourism," he said.

He highlighted that linguistic knowledge is akin to adding value.

According to him, the more languages one learns, the more one enhances their competence. Being proficient in a language plays a vital role in facilitating interpersonal communication and building closeness with others.

Minister Pandey also noted that language carries the essence of civilisation, history, and philosophy. Referring to Chinese language interpreters as skilled human resources, he stated, “Those trained in the Chinese language can work as cultural ambassadors. It not only supports tourism development but also creates opportunities for self-employment.”

Minister Pandey also urged the Chinese attendees to explore Nepal’s natural beauty. “Since China has also declared a Nepal Tourism Year, I urge our Chinese friends to visit and experience Nepal’s nature. One can never get enough of Nepal,” he said.

Noting the visible decline in snow on Nepal’s mountains due to climate change, Minister Pandey also informed that efforts are underway for mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

The training is jointly organised by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.

Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, said that the seventh batch of language training was organised to mark the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.

“This is the third time I’ve attended the inauguration of a language training programme since arriving in Nepal. As Chinese tourists visiting Nepal expect communication in their own language, this training will help enhance the quality of Nepal’s tourism,” he said.

Ambassador Song also said that Chinese tourists coming to Nepal are not only interested in shopping or visiting destinations but also wish to experience local culture and communicate in their own language. Knowledge of the Chinese language will help convey Nepal’s history to these tourists and contribute to the long-term excellence of service quality.

He further stated that learning Chinese is a golden opportunity to benefit from the world’s largest tourism market.

Likewise, Acting CEO of the Nepal Tourism Board, Hikmat Singh Ayer, said that the Chinese language training is a significant initiative.

To date, 240 individuals have been trained through six previous batches of the Chinese language training programme in Nepal. Following an agreement reached during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China to strengthen Nepal-China relations, the training has been conducted in Nepal since 2016.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 5 June 2025.