China lifts curbs on import from Nepal

KATHMANDU: In an apparent bid to boost trans-Himalayan trade, China on Tuesday scrapped the provision of licences for importing Nepali goods.The Chinese gesture, welcomed by Nepali traders, is expected to help reduce trade deficit between the two neighbours. The Chinese decision was conveyed by visiting chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Lek Chok, during his talks with Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat here today. During the meeting Chok said the provision of licences for importing Nepali goods has been removed, and that China was positive on reducing trade deficit for Nepal. He also evinced keen interest in further increasing Chinese investments in Nepal, especially in energy, communications, construction materials like cement, infrastructure development and tourism. During the meeting Dr Mahat has urged Chok to help reduce the growing trade deficit between the two countries and boost Chinese investments in Nepal. Chok is heading a high-level, eight member delegation that includes, among others,Wang Wenpei, vice chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region and secretary general Shi Weiqiang. Chinese goods — from electronics to textiles — are popular in Nepal because of their cheap price. Chok also had extensive discussions with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Arjun Jung Bahadur Singh. They discussed cooperation in trade promotion, investments, tourism, agriculture and science and technology.

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