The Nepal Weekly 
July 5, 2023
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has said China is positive for providing development assistance to Nepal.
Talking to mediapersons at Tribhuvan International Airport as he landed upon arrival from China wrapping up his five-day visit, Shrestha said he found Chinese officials positive towards provoding cooperation to Nepal in its development in the days to come.
As he said, during the visit to China, he held extensive discussions with the Chinese leaders focusing on strengthening Nepal-China relations, promoting bilateral trade and investment and economic development. “We asked China to further increase its economic assistance to Nepal when we prioritize the goals for economic development and prosperity,” said DPM Shrestha
Chinese Vice- Premier He Lifeng and Communist Party of China, Sichuan Province Chief Wang Xiaohui assured that they will take Nepal’s proposal seriously, according to Shrestha.
During the meeting with the Chinese Vice-Premier, “discussions were held on promoting bilateral trade, tourism, investment, connectivity, scaling of China’s assistance to Nepal among others.”
While meeting with the Chinese officials, Shrestha also “thanked the government of China for its significant assistance to Nepal during the hour of crisis such as earthquake, and COVID-19 pandemic,”
The meeting also focussed on the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. The Chinese side was optimistic about Nepal’s preparedness to take benefits from projects under the BRI. In response, we briefed them about Nepal’s plans and steps regarding the BRI, he added.
During the visit DPM Shrestha also held a talk with office bearers of the Sichuan Airlines on operating flights from Chengdu to new airports in Nepal. The Airlines was positive about the matter, he informed.
“During the meeting Nepal side asked CHina to add Chengdu-Kathmandu flights, and commercially begin flights from Chengdu to Pokhara and Bhairahawa International Airports in Nepal, according to Shrestha. “We have urged them to run a Chengdu-Kathmandu flight on a daily basis. On the matter, they gave positive gesture. “We have also asked them to start Chengdu-Pokhara and Chengdu-Bhairahawa direct commercial flights. On this, they said they were much position on a Chengdu-Pokhara flight.”
During his visit to the Republic of China, DPM Shrestha addressed the 19th Western China International Fair as a chief speaker.
On the occasion, he urged Chinese investors to invest in Nepal as the country has adopted a policy of encouraging, promoting and protecting foreign investments by carrying out reforms in its investment system.
DPM Shrestha also inspected the Jinping Hydropower Project and Dujiangyan Irrigation System. He was on his official visit to China on last Tuesday leading a seven-member delegation.
