Nepal and China have strengthened bilateral relations with a nine-point agreement signed during Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli’s official visit to Beijing. In a high-level meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the State Hall, the two leaders discussed various avenues of cooperation, including connectivity, industrial development, infrastructure, trade, and tourism, among other key areas.
Prime Minister Oli also held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, focusing on enhancing partnerships across multiple sectors such as agriculture, technology, sports, disaster management, and poverty alleviation, according to Krishna Prasad Dhakal, spokesperson for Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key Agreements Signed
The nine-point agreement includes significant commitments and memorandums of understanding (MoUs), such as:
- Infrastructure Development: Construction of the Tokha-Chhahari tunnel road near Kathmandu.
- Trade and Tourism: MoU on promoting Nepal-China trade and certificates of completion for the renovation of the historic nine-storey palace in Basantapur, Kathmandu.
- Agriculture and Exports: Protocol for exporting thermally processed buffalo meat to China.
- Education and Media: Agreements on Chinese language education and cooperation in communication technology between Nepal Television and China Media Group.
- Financial Aid: Exchange of letters on cash aid and additional economic and technical assistance.
Financial Support from China
Ahead of the visit, Nepal’s government accepted a grant of USD 20 million from China. Additionally, the Nepali Cabinet approved projects worth 300 million Chinese Yuan (approximately USD 4.13 million), further highlighting China’s growing involvement in Nepal’s development.
Prime Minister Oli’s four-day visit, which began Sunday, marks his first official trip to China since assuming office for the fourth time. He is expected to return to Nepal on December 5.
This landmark visit underscores the deepening ties between Nepal and China, with both nations committed to mutual growth and regional stability.
