SURKHET, Sept 29: If all goes well, Karnali Province will start its own fleet of airlines, Karnali, according to Mahendra Bahadur Shahi, the province's chief minister.  Shahi said so at Birendranagar after returning from his visit to China.

"We've discussed the prospects with the Government of China and its businessmen to buy two mid-size aircrafts," Shahi said. "We'll reach an agreement with the federal government and proceed further." The chief minister said that they'd also construct two airports with support from the Chinese government.

Shahi shared that China was willing to invest in Karnali province. Before leaving for China, the chief minister had invited potential Chinese investors at Birendranagar, the provincial capital for investment opportunities. In the process, the investors had expressed interests to upgrade and construct airport.

Karnali province has already decided to upgrade airport at Birendranagar and build a high altitude airport in Mugu. North West, a Chinese company has agreed to carry out feasibility study for free of cost and submit it to the provincial government. "We are working simultaneously to construct airports and procure aircrafts."

Apart from the airports, Karnali province would also collaborate with the Chinese government to build a fast track from Hilsa on the north to Jamunaha border on the south. Karnali province has reached an agreement with China Highway Company of Sichuan province to carryout feasibility assessment and to produce detailed project report on the fast track.

Shahi said that big investors were willing to invest in the province. At the moment, provinces alone cannot ink direct investments. The provincial parliament urged the federal government to allow 10 years of tax exemption to national and foreign investors willing to invest in the province.

 
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