Biratnagar, January 2:

China accords high priority to the construction of the Kimanthanka road that links Nepal’s eastern zones with China.

This was made clear by Chinese envoy Sun Heping at an interaction programme organised by the Morang Trade Association here today.

“We have given this road a high priority,” Heping said, adding, among the 10 highways that links Nepal with China, this was the most important road.

Heping said the government of Nepal needed to request the Chinese authorities officially for the construction of the road.

The businessmen of eastern zones have been calling for Chinese help in the construction of Kimanthanka road. They say the road will benefit trade between China and eastern Nepal.

Heping said that China was always for the establishment of peace in Nepal and would continue to help developmental activities here.

Heping said the request to open a Consulate General’s office at Biratnagar could be considered after consultations with the government.

The Chinese envoy said, “If the proposal comes to the embassy, it can be negotiated with the Foreign Ministry of Nepal.”

Former president of the Association, Shanker Agrawal, industrialist Mahendra Golchha, FNCCI central member Kishor Pradhan also spoke during the meet.