Nepal and China sign multiple agreements during PM Oli's visit

Kathmandu, December 3 — Various agreements have been signed between Nepal and China today amid the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's official visit. The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the former’s visit to China.

According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a protocol for the export of buffalo meat has been signed. With this agreement, China has opened the path for importing meat from Nepal.

Previously, during the visit of then-Prime Minister Prachanda, an agreement was made for China to import buffalo meat from Nepal. Now, after Nepal meets all the necessary standards, China has agreed to import buffalo meat from Nepal.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official accompanying the delegation also confirmed that an agreement to promote Nepal-China trade has been signed between the two countries.

China had previously reconstructed the nine-story Basantapur Durbar, which was damaged in the 2015 earthquake, and has since handed it over to the government of Nepal. The certificate of completion has also been exchanged.

Further agreements signed include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of the Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel, as well as agreements related to various development plans.

Additionally, an agreement has been made between the two countries for Chinese volunteer teachers to teach the Chinese language in various schools in Nepal. An MoU for economic and technical cooperation has also been signed, along with a communication technology agreement between Nepal Television and China Media Group (CMG), as claimed by sources.

Here are the key agreements:

• Exchange of documents related to the Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel.
• Agreement to promote Nepal-China trade.
• Certificate exchange on the completion of the Basantapur Durbar reconstruction.
• Protocol for the export of  processed buffalo meat.
• Various development-related agreements.
• Economic and technical cooperation agreement.
• Exchange of documents on cash assistance.
• Agreement on volunteer Chinese language teachers.
• Agreement on communication technology between Nepal Television and China Media Group.

Prime Minister Oli was welcomed by Chinese Premier Li at the Great Hall of the People. In his honor, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army presented a "Guard of Honor." Other Chinese leaders also participated in the ceremony. Following this, a bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers was held, followed by the signing ceremony.

It is also expected that Prime Minister Oli will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping later today. Prime Minister Oli’s delegation arrived in Beijing on Monday for an official visit to China.

The delegation includes First Lady Radhika Shakya, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister BishnuRimal, Economic and Development Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Yuvraj Khatiwada, federal parliamentarians, Chief Secretary, distinguished government officials, representatives from the private sector, and journalists.