Kathmandu, Sept. 29
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming said that China stands ready to work with Nepal in science, technology and innovation.
"We have a challenge
to catching up with new developments in technology and other sectors. Nepal and
China should enhance cooperation in these areas," he said during his visit
to the Gorkhapatra Corporation on Tuesday.
According to him, cooperation
in technology and innovation is being promoted and China is supporting the
Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in DNA testing and profiling in
the aftermath of the devastating Bhotekoshi disaster that hit Rasuwa, Nuwakot
and downstream districts on August 26.
"In the past one
month we have been working hard with the government of Nepal in rescue and
relief operations following the devastating Bhotekoshi disaster. China had sent
tunnel rescue experts and technicians, at the earliest possible time, who are
closely working with the Nepali security agencies," said Ambassador Zhang.
Stating that the
unfortunate tragedy claimed 43 lives while 519 are missing on the Chinese side,
he said China and Nepal are always helping each other during emergencies.
"The disaster has
indicated the need for even greater cooperation between the two nations,"
he said, adding that strategic partnership and cooperation were stressed during
the visit of President Xi Jinping and the two countries are working to meet the
very aspirations.
Likewise, Ambassador
Zhang said that the border-point connecting Nepal and China needed an earliest
rebuilding, albeit with a better scientific plan. The August 26 flood swept
away all infrastructure and facilities at the Rasuwagadhi border.
Meanwhile, the Chinese
government is working to open Tatopani border point throughout the year but due
to the damage caused along the Araniko Highway, this has been challenging,
according to the Ambassador.
The government of
Nepal is making an inspection to assess the condition of the road connecting
the Capital city with China. According to the traders, the route is hardly
feasible for cargo as of now.
"Nepali
authorities are working. But the work needs to be expedited in order to make it
completely operational," said Ambassador Zhang.
He also said that he
was for closer and stronger cooperation between Chinese media and the Gorkhapatra
Corporation. "The embassy will do its best to support the GC in achieving its
infrastructural and technological goals. Media should also introduce new
technologies and initiatives," he said, while pledging the Embassy's
support in transfer technology to the GC.
General Manager of the
Gorkhapatra Corporation Hikmat Bahaudur Rawal, editor-in-chiefs of Gorkhapatra
and The Rising Nepal Junar Babu Basnet and Ramesh Lamsal, among others,
welcomed the ambassador at the head office of the Corporation.
Rawal said that the
Gorkhapatra was the first and oldest state-owned media which has been an authentic
voice of the society and the country for more than one-and-a-quarter centuries.
It is publishing pages
in 49 languages - two languages a day.
"The government
has given priority to good governance and digital transformation, so has the GC.
Highly dedicated journalists and support staff are contribution to it," he
said.
Likewise, Lamsal said
that the GC is putting its effort to bridge the gap between the government and the
society, and inform the international audiences about the national issues and
development priorities.
He suggested for
institutional-level cooperation and technology transfer for the GC.
Basnet said that it's
not only the newspaper, but also the national history and heritage.
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