PM committed to restore trade relations with China

The delegation led by Mr. Tribhuwandhar Tuladhar, President of Nepal China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, met Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' in Baluwatar on Thursday and expressed congratulations and best wishes.

In the meeting, the delegation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry made various suggestions on the need to expand economic relations between Nepal and China and for this the government should take initiatives.

Chairman Tuladhar suggested that the border with China should be put into operation at full capacity and the government should agree with the Chinese side to open the border for tourists along with the import of goods. He mentioned to the Prime Minister that due to the problem of payment in increasing bilateral trade, a Chinese bank branch should be established in Nepal and this would help in increasing trade and investment.

Although Chinese citizens are willing to visit Nepal, since there are not enough air flights, the association has demanded to arrange flights from various cities in China to Kathmandu, Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports. Similarly, the association is demanding that the government should bring a program to facilitate the visit to Lumbini, targeting the growing number of Buddhist pilgrims in China, and promote Nepal as a destination for Chinese tourists.

In order to increase the export of Nepali goods to China, the association has made a demand to the Prime Minister that quarantine and accredited labs of both countries should be established at the customs point and the quota system at the customs point should be removed and operated at full capacity.

Prime Minister Prachanda mentioned that China has resumed direct flights and trade relations with foreign countries after the Covid epidemic and mentioned that he will take initiatives to create an environment where Nepal can benefit from it.

The Prime Minister has also expressed his commitment to restore economic and trade relations with China, which have been weakening since the outbreak of Covid-19. He said that bringing in more number of tourists from China to Nepal and expanding investment and trade relations is the priority of the government.