Nepal-China Economic Cooperation Discussed in Lhasa

Lhasa. Discussions were held in Lhasa, the capital of China's Xizang Autonomous Region, on opportunities to expand investment, trade, and tourism in Nepal and further strengthen Nepal-China economic cooperation.

The program, recently organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, was attended by 113 people, including Zhao Peng, Executive Vice Chairman of the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region, high-ranking officials from various bodies of the Xizang government, Chinese investors who are investing or interested in investing in Nepal, Chinese businessmen involved in trade with Nepal, Nepali businessmen in Lhasa, tourism entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.

In the program chaired by Consul General Laxmi Prasad Niroula, Consul General Sabin Bhattarai provided information about Nepal's trade, tourism, and investment potential. A 'video' prepared with detailed information about Nepal's investment, trade, and tourism opportunities was shown during the program.

According to a press release issued by the Consulate General on Friday, Chief Guest Zhao Peng stated that the Nepali Consulate General has played a significant role in further strengthening the relationship between China and Nepal. He mentioned that Nepal is a true friend of China and expressed the view that both countries respect each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

He stated that the Xizang government is ready to provide all necessary support to the Nepali Consulate General and expressed confidence that his recent visit to Nepal has further strengthened the relationship between the two countries. He called upon Chinese investors to visit, do business, and invest in Nepal, describing it as a beautiful, peaceful, and China-friendly country.

Consul General Niroula expressed gratitude for the cooperation and goodwill that Nepal has been receiving from the central government of China, the Xizang Autonomous Regional Government, and the Chinese people.

He mentioned that Nepal-China relations have been based on trust, friendship, and cooperation since the time of Princess Bhrikuti and artist Arniko, and clarified that Nepal is firmly committed to the One China principle and will not allow its territory to be used against any friendly nation.

He informed Chinese government bodies and investors about Nepal's trade, tourism, and investment potential, stating that the program was organized with the objective of expanding bilateral economic cooperation. He said that the program was successful in terms of the number and quality of participants.

Prior to the program, Executive Vice Chairman Peng had a courtesy meeting with Consul General Niroula. In the meeting, Consul General Niroula mentioned that the high-level visits recently concluded between Nepal and China have further strengthened bilateral relations and requested facilitation for border infrastructure development, easing import-export and movement at border crossings, business and movement for Nepalis residing in Xizang, and facilitation for visas and Tibet entry permits for Nepalis.

He also requested assistance for the restoration of the historic Saraswati Temple in Lhasa and the Nepali Bhimsen Temple in Shigatse in the Nepali style.

In response, Executive Vice Chairman Peng stated that Nepal and Xizang are connected not only by the border of Himalayas and rivers but also by equally strong historical and cultural ties.

The press release stated that he informed that China is ready to provide necessary cooperation in border management, efforts will be made for the restoration of the Saraswati and Bhimsen temples, and China is ready to construct a concrete bridge over the border river at Rasuwagadhi.