KATHMANDU: The Third Joint Coordination Committee meeting for the promotion of tourism between Nepal and the autonomous Region of People’s republic of China today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint promotion of tourism.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both the sides signed the Agreed Minutes stipulating the areas for cooperation as operation of Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flight by designated Nepali airlines, Operation of Canton- Lhasa-Kathmandu flight by Chinese airlines, promotion of joint rafting industry by the private sector of both sides, developing an action plan to establish a trekking trail from Komanthang to Mansarowar. Under the MoU, Nepal Association of Travel and Tour Agents (NATTA) and TTA of China/Tibet will hold meetings and share issues related to the promotion of tourism.

Meanwhile, informing about another MoU signed between NTB and the Tibet administration as per the promotional agency, NTB chief executive officer Prachanda Man Singh said there has been an agreement between the two sdes to simplify the procedures of entry and exit regarding vehicles and tourists in both regions. According to the agreement, three important decisions have been made — regular data update for third country tourists’ entry and exit, regular tourist vehicle operation through tour operators besides the regular transportation and making tourist movement between Nepal and Tibet easier with bilateral tourism promotion.

Tibet Tourism Administration (TTA) deputy director Wang Songping expressed pleasure at the bilateral trade agreement and wished for the success of Nepal Tourism Year 2011.

Nepal and China are endeavouring to improve tourist flow in order to facilitate more tourists in each others’ regions.

Songping also informed about the initiation of Kathmandu-Lhasa road way by February 2010.

NATTA first vice-president Arjun Prasad Sharma hailed the agreement between the two countries. According to Sharma, Kathmandu is the gateway to Tibet and the agreement will greatly facilitate matters.

“The road transportation will definitely benefit both destinations while increasing the number of tourists arriving from China and other countries,” said Sharma.