The decision was taken at the party's standing committee meeting held on Sunday ahead of the party Chairman Oli's weeklong visit to China that is to begin on March 20.
"The meeting has suggested to the prime minister to finalize deals on new agreements that would lay the grounds for a new age, ending our trade dependency on a single country and create an environment for a balanced trade," CPN-UML Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said. "The party gave the recommendations so that Nepalis do not have to face the sort of crisis brought on by the blockade in future."
At the meeting, the prime minister briefed the party senior leaders on the agenda items to be given top priority during the visit.
He informed the leaders that he is going to give topmost priority to finalizing the bilateral transit and trade agreement that would be significant step in diversifying Nepal's trade, which is so far heavily dependent on India.
Gyawali believed that the agreement is most likely to be signed by the two sides during the visit.
The prime minister's another priority is to reach an agreement with regard to import of fuels from China. Officials have announced to import one-third of total fuel consumed by the country from China to break the existing total fuel dependency on India. The two sides have been discussing various proposals to establish storage facilities with three different sites -- Panchkhal in Kavre, Batta in Nuwakot and Khairenitar of Tanahun -- proposed for the purpose.
"Some technical and logistical aspects may remain, but I believe that a government-to-government agreement on fuel import will be finalized this time around," said Gyawali.
Nepal's priority would also be on upgrading the existing Tatopani border points that was destroyed by last year's earthquake and bringing Kimathanka border point at Sankhuwasabha and Korala point of Mustang district into use soon.
Similarly, the Nepal side has planned to seek China's support to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for extending China's rail services up to Kathmandu and Pokhara from Kerung.
Also, Nepal will also seek China's support for mega hydroelectric projects and build cross-border transmission lines.
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