Kathmandu, July 24:

Visiting Chinese assistant minister for commerce Wang Chao has stressed on the need to increase export of Nepali goods to China and Chinese investments in Nepal.

Speaking at a reception organised by Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCCI) yesterday, Chao said that preparations are underway in China to hold a South Asian Commodity Show, which is also expected to encourage Nepali exports to China. “Nepali companies attending the show would get preferential treatment for selling and marketing their products in China,” he said adding that China is committed to provide support to Nepal in its socio-economic development endeavours.

Rajesh Kazi Shrestha president of NCCCI underlined the need to extend a railway link to Nepal from Tibet to promote bilateral trade. He also urged both the Chinese and Nepali governments to take concrete steps in linking both the neig-hbours. Referring Nepal’s total trade with China that stands at a mere five per cent, Shrestha underlined the need of exploiting the existing potentials and moving forward. “Preferential market access for Nepali products in Chinese market is very much essential to reduce the mounting trade deficit,” he added.

He requested the Chinese team to help in promoting Nepal-China joi-nt ventures in hydropower, education, construction, pharmaceutica-ls, agro-based industries, IT and ot-her potential areas. Lauding China’s assistance in Nepal’s developm-ent endeavours, Shrestha asked China to provide continues support for reconstruction and development.