KATHMANDU, MAY 23
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song paid a courtesy call on Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supply Ramesh Rijal yesterday.
During the meeting held at the ministry, they discussed bilateral relations, development assistance, and opening of border points.
Minister Rijal praised Chinese Ambassador Song, saying he had played active role in strengthening bilateral relations between Nepal and China.
He believed that bilateral relations would be further strengthened in the days ahead. The two-country relations are special, Minister Rijal said, reiterating that Nepal was committed to not letting anyone misuse Nepali territory against China.
He informed that of the total foreign trade, trade with China comprises 14 per cent. China is Nepal's second largest trade partner, according to Minister Rijal. However, Nepal was incurring huge loss in trade with China.
Minister Rijal also reminded various mechanisms to facilitate Nepal-China trade. Even the meeting of joint consultation mechanism established for implementing transit and transport agreement was not held, he said, urging the ambassador for immediate meeting between the concerned mechanisms in Kathmandu and Beijing.
The minister, however, expressed happiness over the resumption of operation of Tatopani, Rasuwa and Hilsa border points. He requested the Chinese ambassador to open more border points soon.
Chinese Ambassador Song's attention was drawn towards opening Nechung-Liji, Kimathanka, Olangchunggola and other border points.
Rijal thanked China for its assistance and collaboration in Nepal's development. He hoped China would extend further assistance and provide foreign direct investment.
On the occasion, Ambassador Song thanked Nepal for supporting One China policy.
He believed bilateral relations would be further strengthened between China and Nepal.
The ambassador also said China was positive about extending development assistance and foreign direct investment.
A version of this article appears in the print on May 24, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
