Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha said on Sunday that China is open to providing more development assistance to Nepal.
Talking to reporters here, Shrestha said he had extensive discussions with Chinese leaders aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, promoting trade, investment and economic development. Shrestha said he sees Chinese officials as positive about helping Nepal in its development efforts.
“We have asked China to increase its economic assistance to Nepal as we prioritize the goals of economic development and prosperity,” Shrestha said at the Tribhuvan International Airport after arriving from China following a five-day visit.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and Sichuan Province Communist Party of China Chief Wang Xiaohui have assured that they will take Nepal’s proposal seriously, Shrestha added.
During the meeting with the Chinese vice premier, “discussions were held on the promotion of bilateral trade, tourism, investment, connectivity and expanding Chinese aid to Nepal,” he said.
Shrestha said he “thanked the government of China for its significant assistance to Nepal during the hour of crisis like the earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic”. He said his meetings with Chinese leaders also focused on the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Chinese side was optimistic about Nepal’s readiness to take advantage of projects under the BRI, he said.
“In response, we informed them about Nepal’s plans and steps regarding BRI,” he added.
Shrestha also discussed with Sichuan Airlines officials to operate flights from Chengdu to new airports in Nepal. The airline responded positively to the matter, he informed.
“During the meeting, the Nepalese side requested China to add flights from Chengdu to Kathmandu and commercially launch flights from Chengdu to Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports in Nepal,” Shrestha said.
“We urged them to operate a flight from Chengdu to Kathmandu on a daily basis.” They were positive about this. We have also asked them to start Chengdu-Pokhara and Chengdu-Bhairahawa direct commercial flights,” he added.
During his visit, Shrestha also addressed the 19th West China International Fair as a keynote speaker.
On the occasion, he urged Chinese investors to invest in Nepal as the country has adopted a policy of promoting, supporting and protecting foreign investment by carrying out reforms in its investment system.
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