Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha has requested China to provide free visas to Nepali citizens visiting the country, with a positive response received from the Chinese side.
Minister Shrestha announced the news upon his return to Kathmandu on Monday morning, after a seven-day tour to China.
During a news briefing at Tribhuvan International Airport, he underscored Nepal's initiative of providing free visas to Chinese tourists since 2016 and the reciprocal request for Nepalis traveling to China.The Chinese authorities have signaled an openness to the suggestion.
During his official visit, at the invitation of China's Foreign Minister, Minister Shrestha focused on strengthening economic diplomacy between the two countries.
He emphasized the need of strengthening economic cooperation and bilateral ties, citing the potential for economic growth and prosperity through partnership in areas such as commerce and infrastructure. During the visit, discussions focused on the finalization and implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Additionally, preparations were made to provide Nepalese inhabitants along the border with access to grazing land in the Tibet Autonomous Region, as well as to electrify Nepali communities along the border.
The meeting also discussed the resumption of direct bus services between Kathmandu and Lhasa, the establishment of multi-functional labs along the Nepal-China border, and the facilitation of Nepalese product exports, particularly agricultural goods, by providing capital and technology from China.
Both sides have agreed to increase flight operations between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and several Chinese towns in order to improve trade and tourism. Furthermore, attempts are underway to reinstate 14 historic commercial border sites between Nepal and China, which were previously closed because to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Shrestha emphasized both nations' willingness to form a joint commission at the foreign minister level to maintain regular high-level conversations on many elements of Nepal-China's long-standing friendship.
