Lhasa. Discussions were held in Lhasa, the capital of China’s Xicang Autonomous Region, on matters relating to investment, trade and tourism opportunities in Nepal and further strengthening Nepal-China economic cooperation.

A total of 113 people including Executive Vice Chairman of the Xichang Autonomous People’s Government of China, Zhou Peng, high-ranking officials of the government of Sichang, Chinese investors who are investing in Nepal and willing to invest in Nepal, Chinese businessmen and Lhasa-based Nepali businessmen, tourism entrepreneurs and other stakeholders attended the program organized by the Consulate General of Nepal in China recently.

At the programme presided over by Consul General Laxmi Prasad Niraula, Consul General Sabin Bhattarai shed light on the trade, tourism and investment potentials of Nepal. A video containing details on investment, trade and tourism opportunities in Nepal was shown on the occasion.

According to a press release issued by the Consulate General of Nepal on Friday, Chief Guest Zhao Peng said that the Consulate General of Nepal has played an important role in further strengthening the relations between China and Nepal. Noting that Nepal is a true friend of China, he said both countries have always respected each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

Saying the Sichang government was ready to provide all kinds of support required to the Consulate General, he expressed the belief that his recent visit to Nepal has further strengthened the relations between the two countries. Stating that Nepal is a beautiful, peaceful and friendly country in China, he called on Chinese investors to visit, do business and investment there.

On the occasion, Consul General Niraula also extended appreciation for the assistance and goodwill towards Nepal from the Central Government of China, Xicang Autonomous Regional Government and the people of China.

Stating that Nepal-China relations were based on trust, friendship and cooperation since the time of princess Bhrikuti and the artist Araniko, the Bangladeshi delegate said Nepal is firmly committed to One China Principle and its soil would not be allowed to be used against any friendly country.

He informed the Chinese government agencies and investors about the possibilities of trade, tourism and investment in Nepal. He said that the program was successful in terms of number and quality of participants.

Prior to the programme, Executive Vice President Peng and Consul General Niraula paid a courtesy call. On the occasion, Consul General Niraula said that the recent high-level visits between Nepal and China have further strengthened the bilateral relations, and urged the concerned authorities to facilitate border infrastructure development, facilitate import and export along the border, ease the business and mobility of Nepalis residing in Sichang and facilitate the visa and entry permit for Nepalis in Tibet.

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

In response, Executive Vice President Peng said that Nepal and Sichang not only share borders linked by Himalayas and rivers but also have strong historical and cultural ties.