Nepal is seeking to further strengthen its cooperation with China in key areas, including investment and infrastructure development, according to Tribhuban Dhar Tuladhar, president of the Nepal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Tuladhar said that the country is working to boost its production competitiveness and gain access to the Chinese market.
"China is [such a] big importer, not only exporter in the global business. So Nepal is trying to enter the Chinese market, because Nepal's cost of production is very high -- because [we have] small production, not big production in the factories, not very big factories like in China -- it is very difficult to compete with China," said Tuladhar.
Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is visiting China from Monday to Thursday. According to Nepalese media reports, Oli's delegation comprises about 48 private sector representatives, a sign that the two countries may look to further expand trade.
Tuladhar spoke highly of the initiative, noting that it will boost trade between Nepal and China.
"After this policy, maybe the Nepali industry will increase and we will see [if we can meet the market demand]. Now Chinese businessmen have started to come to Nepal for buying and investment. The Chinese embassy of Nepal's commercial section has sent 30 people for training for tea production," he said.
Tuladhar also expressed hope to enhance cooperation with China in several areas.
"We hope that China helps Nepal [with] production, and China is going [to build] one industrial park in eastern Nepal. [China is] one of our good partners in business, and in investment in hydropower, in roads. China is one of [our best] partners of Nepal," said Tuladhar.
Nepal seeks deeper ties with China to boost economic growth: official
