This year marks the 68th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China, highlighting an enduring partnership that has strengthened over the decades. Chhabindra Parajuli, Economy Minister at the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing, lauded China’s captivating growth in an exclusive interview with the Global Times. His remarks underlined China’s significant strides in modernization, agriculture mechanization, and the development of free trade zones and high-tech industrial parks.
August 1st signifies a pivotal milestone in China-Nepal relations, marking nearly seven decades of diplomatic engagements. As both countries honor this landmark anniversary, Parajuli expressed his optimism for the further deepening of cooperation, particularly in the realm of cultural exchanges. The Economy Minister underscored the potential for mutual enrichment through fostering tourism and enhancing cultural exchange between Nepal and China.
Nepal, enriched with natural resources and an investor-friendly environment, presents a lucrative destination for Chinese investors. In the current era of globalization and regionalism, Nepal and China can leverage their respective strengths to foster fruitful collaborations across various fronts, as Parajuli pointed out.
The evident enthusiasm for bilateral cooperation extends across trade, investment, and cultural exploration. The growing middle-class population in China serves as a driving force for tourism expansion, which Parajuli believes holds a promising future for Nepal-China tourism relations.
One testament to the rich people-to-people exchanges between the two countries is the steady year-on-year increase in the number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal. These robust exchanges lay a solid foundation for bilateral relations.
Since April 13, 2023, when the first batch of Chinese trekkers landed in the Nepali capital Kathmandu, there has been a glimmer of hope for Nepal’s tourism industry, which had been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth of the middle-class population in China has spurred an outbound travel boom, with Nepal emerging as a favored destination.
Nepal has warmly welcomed Chinese tourists, implementing visa-on-arrival, waiving visa fees, and enhancing air connectivity. These measures cater to the increasing influx of Chinese tourists, highlighting the potential of this burgeoning market.
Tracing back in history, China-Nepal interactions started over a thousand years ago. Cultural exchanges between the two ancient civilizations have played a pivotal role in strengthening ties. The enduring cultural exchanges serve as a guiding beacon, illuminating their path towards a harmonious and prosperous future.
As tourism plays an integral role in Nepal’s economy, the development of this industry has the potential to catalyze industrial linkages, maintain supply chains, and create employment opportunities. Parajuli emphasized how tourism significantly contributes to the country’s economic prosperity, reducing poverty rates, and improving living standards.
Nepal welcomes Chinese tourists and investors to participate in its tourism infrastructure development projects. The country invites all to explore its breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultural experiences. With favorable prospects and promising opportunities, the future of Nepal-China relations is indeed bright as they continue to strengthen their partnership in the years to come.
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