India, China pledge to continue support in development, investment

Kathmandu, Oct. 23

India and China have expressed their commitment to Nepal’s economic development and investment, even during the troubled times like now.

In separate meetings with Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) on Tuesday afternoon, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song assured that they would also extend their support in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from their respective countries.

According to the MoF, Ambassador Srivastava said that, as India is Nepal’s closest neighbour, India remains committed to maintaining the special relationship between the two countries and stands with Nepal to provide all forms of support even during this challenging period.

The Ambassador also expressed India’s readiness to accelerate development projects and programmes being carried out with Indian assistance and to provide the necessary support and cooperation to boost the confidence of Indian private sector investors in Nepal.

FM Khanal and the Indian envoy also discussed strengthening coordination to facilitate trade between Nepal and India.

Likewise, Ambassador Chen assured that China’s support to Nepal will continue and further informed that the projects being implemented with Chinese assistance are progressing satisfactorily and that Chinese investors remain interested in investing in Nepal.

He added that a separate interaction with Chinese investors would be organised once the situation becomes more favourable, read the statement from the MoF.

FM Khanal pointed to the need to sustain economic partnerships with neighbouring and donor countries in light of the current difficult circumstances facing Nepal.

He noted that the current government, formed under special circumstances, is committed to holding elections within the stipulated timeframe and said that the government would continue its economic partnership with China and India.

Likewise, Minister Khanal also requested the Chinese Ambassador to take initiatives to enhance banking sector cooperation between Nepal and China, facilitate the establishment of a Chinese bank branch in Nepal, and simplify payment procedures for exports from Nepal.

Meanwhile, Minister Khanal also assumed office at the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) on Tuesday. He was assigned to the Ministry by the Cabinet on Monday. 

 Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 September 2025.