The first meeting of the Nepal-China Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation was held in Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China on Wednesday morning.
The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Nepal and Mr. Chen Yongqi, Executive Vice-Chairman of the People’s Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
The discussion was focused on resuming the cross border trade and people to people movement at optimum level and exploring new avenues of cooperation in border trade and cooperation including smooth operation of land ports, trade facilitation, custom cooperation, border area development, trade-related infrastructures, among others.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed to have full operation of Rasuwagadhi-Kerung exit and entry point for two-way trade and people to people movement from April 1, 2023.
Similarly, two-way trade via Tatopani-Zhangmu and human movement-passenger clearance from Yari-Pulang will be resumed from May 1, 2023. Upon Nepal’s request, the Chinese side has agreed to consider setting up a multi-functional lab in Nepal-China border. China also welcomed Nepal’s suggestion on the construction of trans-border special economic zone and to providing technical and financial support to build infrastructures in Nepal side at Nechung-Lizi border port. The Chinese side assured of opening up seasonal border trade points at Nepal-China border.
While acknowledging the importance of closer economic and trade relations between two countries, the two delegations exchanged views on possible cooperation on a range of areas including the export of agricultural and livestock products such as citrus fruits, dried meat and medicinal herbal products to China.
The Secretary Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini stressed on the need for Kathmandu-Lhasa direct flights, and requested the Chinese side to resume direct flights at an early date.
Both sides also underlined the need to enhance the level of support for improving the livelihood of people residing in bordering districts in the Northern Himalayan region of Nepal. The Chinese side also agreed to encourage its business community to invest in Nepal in different sectors like manufacturing, agriculture and garments.
In light of the recent policies adopted by both countries in response to COVID-19, the two sides agreed to rename the Nepal-China Joint Epidemic Prevention and Control Mechanism as the Nepal-China Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation.
The Nepali delegation was composed of senior officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Likewise, the Chinese delegation comprised the high-ranking officials of the Foreign Affairs Office of China’s TAR, Department of Commerce, Customs, Exit-Entry, and Department of Health.
Later in the afternoon, Mr. Madhu Kumar Marasini, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the head of the Nepali delegation paid a courtesy call on Mr. Yan Jinghai, Chairman of the People’s Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on matters of mutual interest including the promotion of economic cooperation between Nepal and China in general and Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in particular. The Chairman hosted a banquet in honor of the Nepali delegation in the evening.
