KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha stated that issues concerning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) were discussed with Chinese officials during his visit to China.

Shrestha, who concluded his five-day visit to China and returned home on Sunday, emphasized that he had urged the Chinese officials to enhance their financial support for Nepal’s economic development and prosperity.

According to Shrestha, Chinese officials expressed their curiosity about Nepal’s preparations to leverage the benefits of the BRI project.

It is worth mentioning that Nepal signed BRI in 2017.

Home Minister Shrestha stated that the draft of Nepal’s implementation plan for the BRI had been exchanged.

“In our efforts to finalize the draft, we will engage in discussions regarding specific projects and modalities. We are hopeful that through this process, we will be able to derive significant benefits from the Belt and Road Initiative,” he responded.

Shrestha further mentioned that during his meeting with officials from Sichuan Airlines, he emphasized the importance of operating daily flights between Chengdu and Kathmandu throughout the week.

“We urged them to operate regular commercial flights between Chengdu and Pokhara, as well as Chengdu and Bhairahawa,” he said.