KATHMANDU, April 2: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has pushed for Nepal-Tibet-Chongqing-Sichuan Development Corridor during his official visit to China.
In a significant diplomatic maneuver aimed at bolstering economic ties and regional development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha advocated for the establishment of a development corridor spanning Nepal, Tibet, Chongqing, and Sichuan during his recent visit to China.
Minister Shrestha said he held discussions with Chinese officials to build a development corridor connecting these regions during this visit. "We have extensive relations with these three Chinese provinces. These regions also offer huge potential for our development. We share a border with Tibet. I have raised the issue of the development corridor during my visit. With Chongqing and Sichuan, I basically talked to the Chinese side on issues related to investment, trade and tourism," he told Republica.
"We share all our traditional border points and international border with Tibet. I have raised the issue of a development corridor during my visit. With Chongqing and Sichuan, I basically talked to the Chinese side about issues related to investment, trade, and tourism."
Shrestha, who led the Nepali delegation, engaged in high-level discussions with key Chinese officials including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Wang Huning. The visit, which took place from March 24 to April 1, culminated in pivotal agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and fostering economic growth.
Foreign Minister Shrestha said the proposed development corridor holds the promise of fostering economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and deepening the longstanding friendship between Nepal and China. As both nations embark on this ambitious journey, the prospects for regional development and cooperation appear increasingly promising.
Revised interest rate corridor system introduced
Among the notable achievements of the visit was the operationalization of trading posts at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung, Tatopani-Jhangmu, Yari-Puran, and Nechung-Lichi (Korala). Additionally, both sides have agreed to reopen 14 traditional trade border crossings closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to facilitate smoother trade and daily activities for border communities.
Furthermore, agreements were reached to form a Joint Commission at the Foreign Minister level to regularly discuss various aspects of the Nepal-China relations and to finalize the implement plan of the Belt and Road Initiative.
In a bid to promote tourism, Shrestha requested free Chinese visas for Nepali citizens, which received a positive response from the Chinese authorities. Moreover, commitments were made to increase cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and investment.
Shrestha also emphasized the importance of Chinese participation in the upcoming 3rd Nepal Investment Summit in Kathmandu and urged Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Nepal during his address at the Pre-Investment Summit organized by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing. The two countries have pledged to collaborate closely to successfully celebrate Visit Nepal Year 2025 in China, with the expectation of boosting tourism between the two nations.
China visit productive in further strengthening Nepal-China ties: DPM Shrestha
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who returned home on Monday after completing an official visit to the People's Republic of China, said the visit has contributed to further strengthening the mutual goodwill, respect, and trust between the two countries.
Talking to media persons at Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival from the northern neighbor, Minister Shrestha remarked, "The historic and friendly relations between the two countries have reached new heights through this visit."
DPM Shrestha had been on a visit to China from March 24 to March 31, at the invitation of Communist Party of China (CPC)'s political bureau central committee member and China's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi. During the visit, Minister Shrestha extended an invitation to his counterpart Wang to visit Nepal at his convenient time.
"Both parties have agreed for an effective implementation of Nepal-China agreements and to regularize the meetings of existing mechanisms to expedite the pace of cooperation," the Minister said. According to him, with his visit to the northern neighbor, the mutual relations and respect between Nepal and China have reached a new height.
"The discussions held during the visit were comprehensive and open, focusing on mutual assistance and cooperation," said the Minister, expressing hope that the trip contributed to further strengthening the centuries-old, multi-dimensional, and friendly relations between Nepal and China.
He briefed the media that the Chinese side is positive for ensuring trans-border pastureland for the Nepali community residing on the Nepal-China border as per the agreement reached in 2012 and electrification at some Nepali villages there.
Similarly, the Chinese side responded positively to the call of Nepal to resume the Kathmandu-Lhasa direct bus service, facilitating the exports of buff, medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruits from Nepal to China.
During the discussions, Minister Shrestha urged China to establish multi-dimensional labs in certain areas along the Nepal-China border and provide capital and technological assistance to enhance Nepal's agricultural sector productivity.
Both parties have been positive about operating the flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara to various cities in China. Likewise, both parties have expressed interest in expanding transnational roadways, air flight services, and electricity transmission lines to Nepal-China connectivity. Both parties have agreed to come up with agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure projects and implement them.
Minister Shrestha urged China's government and private sector investors for their enthusiastic participation in the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29, for their support to make the Nepal Visit Year 2025, considering investing in Nepal's diverse sectors.
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