Discussions are under way to identify specific projects in the abovementioned areas prioritized by the government for seeking Chinese assistance, according to Prime Minister´s Foreign Affairs Advisor Rajan Bhattarai.
“China has expertise and resources to extend cooperation in Nepal´s efforts in development of infrastructure development, hydropower, tourism and agriculture. We hope that China will cordially extend its assistance,” Bhattarai told myrepublica.com on Nepal´s agendas for the upcoming China visit of the prime minister.
Sources said that Nepal is going to request for assistance for construction of roads, most likely the fast-track road linking Khokana of Lalitpur to Nijgadh of Bara. Besides, the government is also proposing a 300-400 MW hydropower project for development by China.
Bhattarai, who visited China in October, said that China has expressed interest in providing soft loan to Nepal for development of projects related to roads, hydropower, civil aviation (airport) and agriculture.
“Chinese officials, during my visit to China in October, were of the opinion that Nepal should identify its priorities in which China could extend soft loan,” Bhattarai said.
Chinese officials had also told Bhattarai that there would be no limit on such soft loans if Nepal proposed attractive projects.
A source close to the prime minister told myrepublica.com on Tuesday that the government is working out policy issues that the prime minister will take up with the Chinese officials during.
In the meantime, the prime minister on Tuesday took briefings from government secretaries from different ministries on the existing Chinese investment in Nepal, ongoing projects and their progress, according to Bhattarai.
kiran@myrepublica.com
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