Nepal plans to boost connectivity, economic ties with China

KATHMANDU: Nepal plans to deepen its connectivity with its giant northern neighbour China in a bid to boost bilateral economic ties and Chinese investment in the country.

Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal said his government was committed to strengthen and systematise Nepal-China trade.

The government will widen the Kathmandu-Lhasa road in bid to boost connectivity so that Nepal can benefit from linking up with the world's economic powerhouse, Khanal was quoted as saying by the Himalayan Times online.

Inaugurating the 11th annual general meeting of Nepal Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association (NTHBCA) in the capital yesterday, he asked entrepreneurs to come up with a concrete framework to boost Chinese investment in the country.

Agni Sapkota, the Minister for Information and Communication, said once the Kathmandu-Kodari (Tibet border) road becomes six-lane, the relations between the two countries will reach a new height.

China has also sought to deepen its political ties with Nepal so as to have greater influence to halt anti-Beijing protests by the Tibetan exiled community in the country.

Nepal is home to around 20,000 exiled Tibetans and the capital has been the scene of several anti-China protests over the last few years.

Nepal supports 'one-China policy' that views Tibet as an integral part of China. It has repeatedly assured China that it will not allow its territory to be used for anti- Beijing activities.

The Communist-led government in Nepal has recently intensified crackdown against pro-Tibet activists amid growing pressure from its giant northern neighbour to better control the Tibetan refugees within its borders.