- Today, discussions were held at the Ministry of Finance regarding bilateral relations and development cooperation between Nepal and China.

- Memorandums of Understanding have been signed for four projects.

- Finance Minister Paudel has stated that the reconstruction of physical structures will be given priority.

A meeting was held between Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and a delegation led by Chen Xiaodong, Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).

The Secretariat of Finance Minister Paudel has stated that in the meeting held today at the Ministry of Finance, discussions took place regarding the bilateral relations between Nepal and China, development cooperation, and the projects being operated and to be implemented in the future with China’s assistance.

Along with the bilateral meeting, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed for four different projects. It has been reported that MoUs were signed for a project related to the construction of a bone marrow transplantation facility at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, Chitwan, and for conducting a feasibility study to expand the Civil Servants Hospital. The MoUs were signed by Nepal’s Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyay and CIDCA Chairman on behalf of China.

Similarly, a memorandum of understanding on human resource development was signed between the two countries. Through this, more than 1,200 government employees will have the opportunity to participate in bilateral and multilateral seminars organized by various institutions in China.

On this occasion, the minutes related to the feasibility study for the construction of the Rasuwagadhi–Kerung cross-border electric transmission line were signed by Hitendra Dev Shakya, Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority, and the Chairman of CIDCA.

Similarly, China has agreed to assist in the reconstruction of physical structures damaged by floods some time ago in Rasuwa district. During the meeting with the Finance Minister, CIDCA Chairman Xiaodong informed that they will provide the necessary support for the reconstruction of the physical structures and work to expedite the customs procedures.

Finance Minister Paudel, emphasizing that post-disaster reconstruction is a high priority for Nepal, expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for their eagerness, concern, and commitment toward the reconstruction of physical structures. “Rasuwa border is important not only for import-export but also in terms of revenue. Therefore, we will expedite the reconstruction,” said Finance Minister Paudel.

Source: Kantipur