DPM Shrestha pushes for Nepal-Tibet-Chongqing-Sichuan Development Corridor

[Beijingwalker]

DPM Shrestha pushes for Nepal-Tibet-Chongqing-Sichuan Development Corridor​

Published On: April 2, 2024 08:05 AM NPT By: Kosh Raj Koirala | @KoshRKoirala

KATHMANDU, April 2: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has pushed for Nepal-Tibet-Chongqing-Sichuan Development Corridor during his official visit to China.

In a significant diplomatic maneuver aimed at bolstering economic ties and regional development, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha advocated for the establishment of a development corridor spanning Nepal, Tibet, Chongqing, and Sichuan during his recent visit to China.

Minister Shrestha said he held discussions with Chinese officials to build a development corridor connecting these regions during this visit. "We have extensive relations with these three Chinese provinces. These regions also offer huge potential for our development. We share a border with Tibet. I have raised the issue of the development corridor during my visit. With Chongqing and Sichuan, I basically talked to the Chinese side on issues related to investment, trade and tourism," he told Republica.

"We share all our traditional border points and international border with Tibet. I have raised the issue of a development corridor during my visit. With Chongqing and Sichuan, I basically talked to the Chinese side about issues related to investment, trade, and tourism."

Shrestha, who led the Nepali delegation, engaged in high-level discussions with key Chinese officials including Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Wang Huning. The visit, which took place from March 24 to April 1, culminated in pivotal agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation and fostering economic growth.

Foreign Minister Shrestha said the proposed development corridor holds the promise of fostering economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and deepening the longstanding friendship between Nepal and China. As both nations embark on this ambitious journey, the prospects for regional development and cooperation appear increasingly promising.

Among the notable achievements of the visit was the operationalization of trading posts at Rasuwagadhi-Kerung, Tatopani-Jhangmu, Yari-Puran, and Nechung-Lichi (Korala). Additionally, both sides have agreed to reopen 14 traditional trade border crossings closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiming to facilitate smoother trade and daily activities for border communities.

Furthermore, agreements were reached to form a Joint Commission at the Foreign Minister level to regularly discuss various aspects of the Nepal-China relations and to finalize the implement plan of the Belt and Road Initiative.

In a bid to promote tourism, Shrestha requested free Chinese visas for Nepali citizens, which received a positive response from the Chinese authorities. Moreover, commitments were made to increase cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and investment.

Shrestha also emphasized the importance of Chinese participation in the upcoming 3rd Nepal Investment Summit in Kathmandu and urged Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Nepal during his address at the Pre-Investment Summit organized by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing. The two countries have pledged to collaborate closely to successfully celebrate Visit Nepal Year 2025 in China, with the expectation of boosting tourism between the two nations.

China visit productive in further strengthening Nepal-China ties: DPM Shrestha
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who returned home on Monday after completing an official visit to the People's Republic of China, said the visit has contributed to further strengthening the mutual goodwill, respect, and trust between the two countries.

Talking to media persons at Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival from the northern neighbor, Minister Shrestha remarked, "The historic and friendly relations between the two countries have reached new heights through this visit."

DPM Shrestha had been on a visit to China from March 24 to March 31, at the invitation of Communist Party of China (CPC)'s political bureau central committee member and China's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi. During the visit, Minister Shrestha extended an invitation to his counterpart Wang to visit Nepal at his convenient time.

"Both parties have agreed for an effective implementation of Nepal-China agreements and to regularize the meetings of existing mechanisms to expedite the pace of cooperation," the Minister said. According to him, with his visit to the northern neighbor, the mutual relations and respect between Nepal and China have reached a new height.

"The discussions held during the visit were comprehensive and open, focusing on mutual assistance and cooperation," said the Minister, expressing hope that the trip contributed to further strengthening the centuries-old, multi-dimensional, and friendly relations between Nepal and China.

He briefed the media that the Chinese side is positive for ensuring trans-border pastureland for the Nepali community residing on the Nepal-China border as per the agreement reached in 2012 and electrification at some Nepali villages there.

Similarly, the Chinese side responded positively to the call of Nepal to resume the Kathmandu-Lhasa direct bus service, facilitating the exports of buff, medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruits from Nepal to China.

During the discussions, Minister Shrestha urged China to establish multi-dimensional labs in certain areas along the Nepal-China border and provide capital and technological assistance to enhance Nepal's agricultural sector productivity.

Both parties have been positive about operating the flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara to various cities in China. Likewise, both parties have expressed interest in expanding transnational roadways, air flight services, and electricity transmission lines to Nepal-China connectivity. Both parties have agreed to come up with agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure projects and implement them.

Minister Shrestha urged China's government and private sector investors for their enthusiastic participation in the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29, for their support to make the Nepal Visit Year 2025, considering investing in Nepal's diverse sectors.

 

[冖_冖]

https://kathmandupost.com/money/202...in-lhasa-to-focus-on-border-trade-bottlenecks​

Nepal-China commerce talks in Lhasa to focus on border trade bottlenecks​

Kathmandu seeks smoother container movement, reconstruction of key bridges and dry ports, and easing of border pass restrictions as traders complain of slow dispatch.

A scene of devastation at Nepal’s Timure customs yard after flashfloods in July last year. Post file photo

Updated at : January 18, 2026 06:59

Nepal and China are set to hold a commerce secretary-level meeting in Lhasa next week, with trade facilitation, border infrastructure, and management of key transit points high on the agenda.

The third meeting of the Nepal-China Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation will take place on January 20-21 in Lhasa.

Commerce Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire will lead the Nepali delegation, while the Chinese side will be headed by a vice chairman from the Lhasa municipal government.

Officials say Nepal will press China to allow the dispatch of more cargo containers through the Kerung and Tatopani border points, responding to long-standing complaints from traders about slow and irregular movement of goods.

“As traders have been complaining about the limited number of containers being dispatched from both Kerung and Tatopani, we will request the Chinese side to increase container movement,” said an official at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

The Rasuwagadhi border point has resumed operations since January 1 following the installation of a temporary (Bailey) bridge.

The crossing had been disrupted after a flash flood in the Lhende River on July 8 last year swept away the Miteri Bridge at Kerung, one of Nepal’s main trade gateways to China.

It took nearly six months for China to set up a temporary bridge. Nepal’s customs point at Rasuwagadhi lies about 24 kilometres south of Kerung.

Despite the reopening, traders say the flow of cargo remains far below normal levels.

The temporary bridge cannot support the passage of large containers, resulting in fewer vehicles being cleared. Traders also complain that only a limited number of border passes are being issued.

Under the current work procedure, only local residents and migrants living in Rasuwa district are eligible for border passes.

“Nepal will request China to allow cross-border access for traders from other districts, as there have been frequent demands to ease the pass system,” the official said.

Nepal will also seek China’s support for the construction of a permanent Miteri Bridge at Kerung, citing its strategic importance as a major trade gateway.

In addition, Kathmandu plans to request Chinese assistance in developing road infrastructure at border points including Olangchung Gola, Kimathanka, Hilsa and Simkot.

Another key agenda item will be the dry port at the Korala border point in Mustang. Nepal will urge China to expedite the revision and completion of the detailed project report (DPR).

The DPR, prepared by the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, was handed over to Chinese officials, who said four months ago that they would revise it and propose a new design. The Korala dry port project is estimated to cost Rs1.5 billion.

Nepal will also raise the issue of reconstructing the Rasuwa dry port, which was severely damaged by last summer’s flood. Beijing had halted construction after the flash flood destroyed more than 90 percent of the under-construction facility.

All physical infrastructure was washed away, leaving only one building standing. The Chinese government had already spent about Rs1.5 billion, roughly half of the total project cost.

China is Nepal’s second-largest trading partner after India. Nepal’s total trade with the northern neighbour stood at Rs343.73 billion last fiscal year, with the trade deficit widening to Rs338.47 billion.

According to the Department of Customs, Nepal’s imports from China increased 14.16 percent to Rs341.10 billion in the fiscal year ended mid-July. Major imports included smartphones, electric vehicles, iron and steel coils, apples, diammonium phosphate, laptops and notebooks, dyed knitted or crocheted fabrics, garlic, readymade garments and footwear.

Exports to China rose marginally by 1.93 percent to Rs2.63 billion in the same period. Nepal mainly exported carpets, scourers, felt products, tracing cloth, statues made of precious metals, medicinal herbs, wood, musical instruments, readymade garment and yarsagumba.

Traders say prolonged disruptions at Kerung and limited vehicle movement at Tatopani last year severely affected imports, including of electric vehicles, during the festive season. Some traders even described the situation as an unofficial blockade.

They said food items imported for festivals since Teej in the rainy season have remained stranded at the Chinese side of the border due to the slow pace of container clearance. Despite repeated requests from Nepali officials to ease trade and allow regular vehicle movement, traders say the problem persists.

Nepal and China have two key trade routes: Rasuwagadhi–Kerung and Tatopani–Zhangmu, also known as Khasa. Kerung lies about 190 kilometres from Kathmandu, while Tatopani is around 115 kilometres away.

The Tatopani–Khasa border point reopened on May 29, 2019, after remaining closed for four years following the 2015 earthquakes.

The Rasuwagadhi–Kerung customs point, which was later upgraded to an international checkpoint allowing third-country nationals to cross, reopened in July 2020.

 

[Pakistanithinktank]

India intentionally destroyed its relationship with Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives. India now only has two friends in the region, TTA & TTP.
In order to fix the mess India created, it first has to beg China and improve relationship with Pakistan and stop supporting terrorism.
Even Iran won’t support India after Indians were caught in Iran for spying for Israel.

 

[冖_冖]

https://kathmandupost.com/money/202...in-lhasa-to-focus-on-border-trade-bottlenecks​

Nepal-China commerce talks in Lhasa to focus on border trade bottlenecks​

Kathmandu seeks smoother container movement, reconstruction of key bridges and dry ports, and easing of border pass restrictions as traders complain of slow dispatch.

A scene of devastation at Nepal’s Timure customs yard after flashfloods in July last year. Post file photo

Updated at : January 18, 2026 06:59

Nepal and China are set to hold a commerce secretary-level meeting in Lhasa next week, with trade facilitation, border infrastructure, and management of key transit points high on the agenda.

The third meeting of the Nepal-China Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation will take place on January 20-21 in Lhasa.

Commerce Secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire will lead the Nepali delegation, while the Chinese side will be headed by a vice chairman from the Lhasa municipal government.

Officials say Nepal will press China to allow the dispatch of more cargo containers through the Kerung and Tatopani border points, responding to long-standing complaints from traders about slow and irregular movement of goods.

“As traders have been complaining about the limited number of containers being dispatched from both Kerung and Tatopani, we will request the Chinese side to increase container movement,” said an official at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.

The Rasuwagadhi border point has resumed operations since January 1 following the installation of a temporary (Bailey) bridge.

The crossing had been disrupted after a flash flood in the Lhende River on July 8 last year swept away the Miteri Bridge at Kerung, one of Nepal’s main trade gateways to China.

It took nearly six months for China to set up a temporary bridge. Nepal’s customs point at Rasuwagadhi lies about 24 kilometres south of Kerung.

Despite the reopening, traders say the flow of cargo remains far below normal levels.

The temporary bridge cannot support the passage of large containers, resulting in fewer vehicles being cleared. Traders also complain that only a limited number of border passes are being issued.

Under the current work procedure, only local residents and migrants living in Rasuwa district are eligible for border passes.

“Nepal will request China to allow cross-border access for traders from other districts, as there have been frequent demands to ease the pass system,” the official said.

Nepal will also seek China’s support for the construction of a permanent Miteri Bridge at Kerung, citing its strategic importance as a major trade gateway.

In addition, Kathmandu plans to request Chinese assistance in developing road infrastructure at border points including Olangchung Gola, Kimathanka, Hilsa and Simkot.

Another key agenda item will be the dry port at the Korala border point in Mustang. Nepal will urge China to expedite the revision and completion of the detailed project report (DPR).

The DPR, prepared by the Nepal Intermodal Transport Development Board, was handed over to Chinese officials, who said four months ago that they would revise it and propose a new design. The Korala dry port project is estimated to cost Rs1.5 billion.

Nepal will also raise the issue of reconstructing the Rasuwa dry port, which was severely damaged by last summer’s flood. Beijing had halted construction after the flash flood destroyed more than 90 percent of the under-construction facility.

All physical infrastructure was washed away, leaving only one building standing. The Chinese government had already spent about Rs1.5 billion, roughly half of the total project cost.

China is Nepal’s second-largest trading partner after India. Nepal’s total trade with the northern neighbour stood at Rs343.73 billion last fiscal year, with the trade deficit widening to Rs338.47 billion.

According to the Department of Customs, Nepal’s imports from China increased 14.16 percent to Rs341.10 billion in the fiscal year ended mid-July. Major imports included smartphones, electric vehicles, iron and steel coils, apples, diammonium phosphate, laptops and notebooks, dyed knitted or crocheted fabrics, garlic, readymade garments and footwear.

Exports to China rose marginally by 1.93 percent to Rs2.63 billion in the same period. Nepal mainly exported carpets, scourers, felt products, tracing cloth, statues made of precious metals, medicinal herbs, wood, musical instruments, readymade garment and yarsagumba.

Traders say prolonged disruptions at Kerung and limited vehicle movement at Tatopani last year severely affected imports, including of electric vehicles, during the festive season. Some traders even described the situation as an unofficial blockade.

They said food items imported for festivals since Teej in the rainy season have remained stranded at the Chinese side of the border due to the slow pace of container clearance. Despite repeated requests from Nepali officials to ease trade and allow regular vehicle movement, traders say the problem persists.

Nepal and China have two key trade routes: Rasuwagadhi–Kerung and Tatopani–Zhangmu, also known as Khasa. Kerung lies about 190 kilometres from Kathmandu, while Tatopani is around 115 kilometres away.

The Tatopani–Khasa border point reopened on May 29, 2019, after remaining closed for four years following the 2015 earthquakes.

The Rasuwagadhi–Kerung customs point, which was later upgraded to an international checkpoint allowing third-country nationals to cross, reopened in July 2020.

Nepal and China agree to expedite projects, boost border trade

During talks in Lhasa on Tuesday, officials outlined plans for inland clearance depots, Tokha-Chhahare tunnel and strengthening collaboration.

kathmandupost.com

Nepal, China hold third meeting of border trade and cooperation mechanism in Lhasa

Nepal and China , China–Nepal Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation , Nepal, China hold third meeting of border trade and cooperatio

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Nepal, China hold third meeting of border trade and cooperation mechanism in Lhasa​

Nepal and China held the third meeting of their Border Trade and Cooperation Mechanism in Lhasa, reaching agreements to boost trade, connectivity, and cross-border collaboration.

Published at : January 23, 2026 Updated at : January 23, 2026 07:19
Kathmandu

Senior officials from Nepal and China have agreed to speed up various developmental projects carried out by China, and enhance trade and infrastructure related projects across the Nepal-China border.

The understanding was reached during the third meeting of China-Nepal Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation held in Lhasa, Tibet on Wednesday. The meeting was co-chaired by Nepal’s industry commerce and supplies secretary Ram Prasad Ghimire and Zhao Peng, vice-chairman of the Xizang [Tibet] People's Government, according to a statement issued by the Consulate General of Nepal.

“The meeting reached broad agreements on enhancing bilateral trade, improving connectivity, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. Both sides agreed to move forward with discussions on key frameworks, such as the 1981 Trade and Payment Agreement, simplifying border passes, speeding up the construction of the Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel, setting quotas for fertiliser imports, extending China’s zero-tariff policy after Nepal’s graduation for the LDC status, and improving vehicle rerouting during disasters,” reads the statement.

To improve border operations, the two sides agreed to effectively carry out the Nepal-China Border Transport Agreement to boost bilateral trade by reducing time and cost of trade, said the statement, adding that both sides agreed to promote trade using a green channel for Nepali silage exports with risk-based inspections, along with better lab testing, data sharing, vehicle movement, and improvements in jute exports.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to border law enforcement for security, said the statement further.

The delegations also reached an understanding regarding the proposal for the Kimanthangka road-bridge Inland Clearance Depot (ICD), which “will be pursued through diplomatic channels.”

“Discussions also covered moving forward with the Jilong (Rasuwa) ICD, building a new Lizi (Mustang) ICD, speeding up the Hilsa-Simkot road, easing customs procedures at the Lizi port, and appreciating China’s support for the Rasuwagadhi-Syaphrubesi road.”

For investment and tourism, Nepal welcomed the idea of a sister-city link between Jilong and a rural municipality of Rasuwa district, and requested a formal proposal, reads the statement. Both sides agreed to task the Nepal-China’s Xizang Joint Tourism Coordination Committee (JTCC) to develop an action plan for a Jilong-Rasuwa Trans-border Tourism Zone and Nepali side proposed a joint high-level visit for the next phase of the Nepal-China Agricultural High-Tech Park..

In broader cooperation, both sides agreed to implement the concept of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, resume bus service between Kathmandu and Lhasa, improve quality and safety of goods through training, recognise each other’s medical qualifications, and strengthen ties in traditional medicine, said the statement.

Both sides have agreed to hold the fourth meeting in Kathmandu on a mutually convenient date.

The Nepali delegation included senior officials from the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ministry of Finance, and the Nepal Rastra Bank. The Chinese delegation included senior officials from the Department of Commerce, the Foreign Affairs Office, China Customs, and other Tibet government agencies.