Nepal and China sign agreement to develop mountain tourism

KATHMANDU: Nepal and China have signed an agreement to promote bilateral cooperation in the areas of mountaineering and tourism.

President of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) Ang Tshering Sherpa and Leader of Delegation and General Secretary of China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA), Zhang Min Sien, yesterday signed the protocol agreement in presence of Tourism Secretary Suresh Man Shrestha.

The agreement aims to exchange projects by sharing information on mountain climbing and other techniques.

Information related to mountain environment and its effects on climate would also be shared. The agreement would also promote exploration of ideas and approaches to boost tourism in both the countries.

In a bid to make mountaineering a safe profession, training and rescue techniques would also be exchanged between the nations, a joint statement released by NMA and CTMA said.

Common issues and agendas affecting mountain tourism would also be explored, the statement said.

In order to develop creative mountain climbing activities, it is very important that CTMA and NMA deepen their friendship by forging mutual understanding, it said.

"The friendly relationship between the two organisations will help in providing livelihood to the people residing in the mountain region of both the countries," said Ang Tshering Sherpa, President of NMA.