In a significant milestone for Nepal-China relations, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal led a delegation to the Tibet Autonomous Region of China at the invitation of the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
The delegation attended the joint reopening ceremony of all traditional border trading points between Nepal and China this afternoon, with Mr. Shrestha serving as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony, held in Chentang Town, Shigatse City, was marked by the joint declaration of the reopening by Honourable Mr. Shrestha and Mr. Silang Nima, Vice Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region. This significant event symbolizes the restoration of fourteen traditional border trading points between the two countries, a move expected to enhance the daily lives of people living in the border areas, facilitate cross-border trade, and strengthen economic ties.
In his address, Mr. Shrestha emphasized the landmark nature of this decision, highlighting its potential to foster economic ties and further elevate the already exemplary bilateral relations between Nepal and China. He noted the significant opportunities for cooperation in various sectors including trade, investment, and tourism.
Mr. Shrestha called for the development of a multidimensional connectivity network to facilitate seamless cross-border movement of goods and people. Additionally, he stressed the importance of improving border infrastructure, establishing fully equipped testing laboratories, and expediting the construction of port facilities along the Nepal-China border.
Mr. Shrestha also acknowledged the progress made in implementing key decisions and agreements from previous high-level meetings, and expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its continuous support, including the recent decision to grant free Chinese visas to Nepali nationals.
Further, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the critical areas for Nepal’s development that require enhanced cooperation, such as trade, investment, technology transfer, hydropower, manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, connectivity, culture, and education.
He expressed optimism for visible outcomes in economic and development cooperation with China in the near future. Mr. Shrestha also urged both nations to work collaboratively to ensure the success of Visit Nepal Year 2025 in China, with a focus on result-oriented joint activities, particularly in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
From the Chinese side, His Excellency Mr. Silang Nima hailed the reopening as a historic moment in Nepal-China relations. He reiterated the close, warm, and friendly ties between the two nations and emphasized the need to further enhance bilateral cooperation in the coming days.
Today’s joint announcement specified that seven traditional border points located in Dolpa, Mustang, Gorkha, Dolakha, Taplejung, and Sankhuwasabha would reopen immediately. The remaining border points will reopen in phases, returning to pre-COVID-19 practices.
The Nepali delegation included the Honourable Mr. Hikmat Kumar Karki, Chief Minister of Koshi Province; Mr. Krishna Prasad Dhakal, Joint Secretary and Head of the North East Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Navaraj Dhakal, Consul General at the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa; and other senior government officials.
This event marks a new chapter in the strong and cooperative relationship between Nepal and China, promising mutual benefits and enhanced connectivity for both nations.
