Chinese Ambassador calls on Minister Bhandari, discusses bilateral ties

KATHMANDU: Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, on Wednesday.

During the meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, Minister Bhandari highlighted the close historical, political, and cultural ties between Nepal and China. He stated, "The people-to-people relations and mutual cooperation between the two countries have further expanded the dimensions of Nepal-China relations. The Government of Nepal is committed to the One-China Policy and will not allow its land to be misused for any anti-China activities."

Minister Bhandari noted the high-level visits exchanged between the two countries in recent years, which have strengthened bilateral ties. He assured that Nepal is committed to contributing to China's peace, stability, and development.

He acknowledged China as a significant and credible development partner for Nepal's socio-economic development. "China is Nepal's second-largest trade partner and the top investor in foreign direct investment (FDI)," he said, praising China's role in Nepal's development, particularly in trade, infrastructure, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and industrial development.

Minister Bhandari mentioned the significant increase in trade volume between the two countries following the reopening of border checkpoints. However, he lamented the substantial trade imbalance, with imports far exceeding exports.

He expressed his Ministry's eagerness to develop trade-related infrastructure, upgrade the transportation system, reform customs services, and modernise the logistics system. He was confident that bilateral trade could be significantly enhanced through China's expertise and investment benefits.

He also expressed confidence that the dry port under construction in Timure, Rasuwa, with Chinese support, would be completed on schedule. The Minister was hopeful for the early implementation of the agreement between Nepal and China to develop infrastructure at Korala in Mustang.

Minister Bhandari informed the Chinese envoy that the exploration of petroleum products in Dailekh, supported by the Chinese government, was progressing. He recalled the encouraging participation of Chinese investors in the Nepal Investment Summit organised by the Government of Nepal last April and anticipated more Chinese investment in the future. He was enthusiastic about coordinating efforts with the Chinese government to expand the market for Nepali products in China.

In response, Ambassador Chen reaffirmed his commitment to further expanding Nepal-China relations and creating a friendly environment. He noted that China has been a development and trade partner to Nepal and is working towards fostering cooperation by engaging with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

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