"We understand it is important to increase the number of ´zero-tariff goods´ to encourage Nepali traders to export to China. The Chinese government and traders are open toward facilitating Nepal to develop its production base and increase exports to China," said Wan Jeifei, the chairman of the delegation of China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). [break]He was speaking at the 11th annual general meeting (AGM) of Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCCI) in Kathmandu on Monday.
Chairman Jeifei also noted that Nepal government should plan for more aggressive marketing strategies to attract more Chinese tourists.
He suggested to Nepali traders to make their products competitive so that China could import more.
Chinese ambassador Qiu Guohong said that import from Nepal to China should increase so that Nepal´s trade deficit with China decreases. He also requested Chinese traders and investors to focus on agriculture, hydropower and tourism.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Madhav Nepal requested Chinese entrepreneurs to visit Nepal and talk to businessmen here to get first hand information on trading situation. The prime minister plegded his support to Chinese entrepreneurs to expand their business in Nepal. "The government is positive to play the role of facilitator to strengthen the bilateral relations," he said.
NCCCI President Rajesh Kaji Shrestha said Nepal´s trade deficit with China stood at around US$442 million in 2008-09. "Efforts from the private sector alone are not enough to bridge the trading gap," he said adding that the government should also collaborate with the private sector to reduce the gap. He also requested Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in IT, hydropower, agriculture and tourism among other sectors.
At the opening of the meeting three companies; Air China, Shinghal International and Tibet House were presented certificates of appreciation for promoting bilateral trade. NCCCI Directory 2010/11 was also unveiled on the occasion. A team of 60 delegates from China attended the meeting with Nepali entrepreneurs and traders.
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