China vows support for Nepal’s economic transformation under new government

China has expressed its commitment to work with Nepal’s new government in the country’s journey toward economic transformation and development. 

Beijing has also expressed confidence that a stable government to be formed for the next five years will fulfill the long-standing aspirations of the Nepali people for prosperity and good governance. 

It has further stated that Nepal’s development ambitions can be realized by enhancing cooperation and partnerships in tourism, investment, infrastructure, and green development.

While briefing selected journalists from mainstream media at his office on Tuesday evening about the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress of China, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming said that China stands ready to work with Nepal’s new government to further strengthen bilateral relations, RSS reported. 

He stated that China, which has long been a development partner of Nepal, will continue to extend support in line with the aspirations of the Nepali people, prioritize Nepal’s socio-economic development, and implement agreements reached during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal. 

He also reiterated China’s continued support for safeguarding Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Highlighting the immense potential in the tourism sector, Ambassador Zhang said that improving tourism-related infrastructure could attract a larger number of Chinese tourists to Nepal. 

He also noted that while Chinese investors are interested in investing in Nepal’s hotel and restaurant sectors, they face challenges related to investment security, policy clarity, and bureaucratic hurdles.

According to RSS, he emphasized that prioritizing tourism as a key driver of economic growth and enhancing bilateral cooperation in this sector could significantly accelerate Nepal’s development in a short period. 

He also pointed out that tea processing, packaging, and branding could emerge as another important avenue for Nepal’s economic progress, with potential for Chinese cooperation.

Stating that Nepal could benefit from China’s technological advancements, he stressed the importance of promoting green development and related industries. 

He added that a one-stop policy framework for trade and investment could attract more Chinese investors.

Reaffirming his commitment to further strengthening the centuries-old Nepal–China relationship, Ambassador Zhang said China is ready to work closely with Nepal’s new government on shared agendas of development and prosperity. 

He expressed confidence that a stable government over the next five years would guide Nepal toward development and reiterated China’s support in helping Nepal graduate from the group of Least Developed Countries, RSS stated. 

He also noted that with only two neighboring countries, Nepal would not face difficulty in implementing a balanced foreign policy. 

He expressed confidence that the new government would formulate policies and programs in line with public aspirations to improve living standards and fulfill development goals.

In this context, Ambassador Zhang stated that China stands ready to work with all members of the international community to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. 

He added that China is prepared to participate in the reform and development of the global governance system and make the international order more just and equitable.

Regarding Kalapani, he clarified that it is a bilateral issue between Nepal and India and should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. "It is a dispute between Nepal and China. China attaches great importance to Nepal and we understand Nepal's position", he said. 

He suggested that the Nepal–India mechanism at the level of foreign secretaries could be activated to find a solution.

Expressing confidence that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) would support Nepal’s economic development, he said cooperation could be expanded in agriculture, improving living standards, infrastructure development, and investment. 

He also emphasized the need to fully utilize the tariff concessions provided by China and expressed readiness to support the export of a wider range of Nepali products beyond agricultural goods. 

He noted that there is ample potential for expanding trade and that he has been working with a focus on strengthening bilateral partnership, according to RSS. 

Nepal–China diplomatic and economic relations have grown stronger in recent years. 

Established in 1955, the relationship is based on mutual respect, sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the principles of peaceful coexistence. 

Nepal regards China as a reliable development partner and a true friend, and China’s continued support in various sectors has made the relationship more practical and result-oriented. Nepal also remains firmly committed to the “One China Principle,” which China highly appreciates.

Bilateral relations have increasingly moved toward multi-dimensional cooperation, particularly under the concept of the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, which aims to transform Nepal from a landlocked country to a land-linked country. 

Key projects include the proposed Kerung–Kathmandu railway, upgrading of the Kodari–Zhangmu road, and expansion of north–south economic corridors.

Efforts are also underway to enhance cross-border trade through the upgrading of Tatopani–Zhangmu and Rasuwagadhi points, expansion of dry ports, and improvement of air connectivity. 

Increased flights via Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports are expected to boost tourism and people-to-people ties. 

Cooperation is also expanding in digital, energy, and telecommunications sectors.

Since Nepal joined the BRI in 2017, collaboration in infrastructure, trade, and connectivity has further strengthened. 

During President Xi Jinping’s visit to Nepal in 2019, more than 20 agreements were signed, upgrading bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.

This cooperation has had positive impacts in energy, hydropower, health, education, green development, and cultural sectors. 

Coordination has also been strengthened in border management, security cooperation, and control of illegal activities.

The growing strategic importance of Nepal–China relations is expected to contribute significantly to trade expansion, economic transformation, and diversification of transit routes, reducing dependence on a single transit system.

 

Senior HoR member KC takes oath of office and secrecy

Senior member of the House of Representatives Arjun Narsingh KC took the oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday.

President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to lawmaker KC amidst a function held in Sheetal Niwas this afternoon.

KC is a 78-year-old leader elected under the proportional category of election from the Nepali Congress. 

Following the oath-taking, he would administer the oath of office and secrecy to other HoR members tomorrow.

In the 275-member HoR, the lower house of federal parliament, 165 were elected directly while 110 from proportional category.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), established just four years back, became the largest party in the parliament securing 182 seats in HoR, while the NC became the second with 38 seats, while the CPN-UML was the third one with 25 seats.

US congratulates RSP on election win

The United States has congratulated Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on its recent electoral victory.

US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, called RSP President Rabi Lamichhane on March 24 to congratulate the party on its electoral victory, reads a statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu. 

During the conversation, the United States said it looks forward to working with Nepal’s new government to strengthen economic ties and deepen the friendship between the two countries.

 

Senior HoR member Arjun Narsingh KC today taking oath today

President Ram Chandra Paudel is scheduled to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the senior most member of the House of Representatives (HoR), Arjun Narsing KC, today. 

The oath-taking ceremony is being held at the President's Office, Sheetal Niwas at 11:15am. 

KC is the senior most leader elected as a HoR member from the March 5 elections. 

KC is a 78-year-old leader elected under the proportional category of election from the Nepali Congress. 

Following the oath-taking, he would administer the oath of office and secrecy to other HoR members tomorrow.

In the 275-member HoR, the lower house of federal parliament, 165 were elected directly while 110 from proportional category.

 

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), established just four years back, became the largest party in the parliament securing 182 seats in HoR, while the NC became the second with 38 seats, while the CPN-UML was the third one with 25 seats.