KATHMANDU: The Chinese government has expressed its readiness to assist Nepal in establishing a fertilizer plant, with plans to complete the project within the next year once the necessary investment is approved.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, discussed the initiative with editors from mainstream media on Thursday evening.
He reiterated that China is prepared to begin work on the fertilizer plant as soon as the Investment Board Nepal approves the proposal.
“Our goal is to operate a fertilizer plant utilizing Nepal’s abundant electricity and water resources. Strengthening our relationship with Nepal and contributing to its development is our priority,” Ambassador Song emphasized.
He added that China is committed to supporting Nepal’s socio-economic progress.
Ambassador Song also informed that a team of Chinese technicians is currently in Nepal conducting a feasibility study for the Nepal-China cross-border transmission line.
He highlighted that the development of hydropower and cross-border power trade would be crucial in achieving Nepal’s national aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali.”
Reaffirming China’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s goal of graduating from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to a middle-income country by 2026, Ambassador Song noted that the recent third meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) had opened China’s labor market to workers from other countries, including Nepal.
He also mentioned that a high-level American delegation is visiting China to explore investment opportunities in the wake of the CPC’s third meeting, which was presided over by Chinese President Xi Jinping and announced over 300 reform measures.
Ambassador Song pledged to bolster bilateral cooperation for Nepal’s development and stated that the electricity produced in Nepal could potentially be exported to the Chinese market.
He also noted that Nepali students pursuing higher education in China would have access to employment opportunities, including internships.
Emphasizing the importance of tourism infrastructure to attract Chinese tourists, Ambassador Chen assured that China is ready to transfer technology to Nepal.
He reminded that the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI), launched by President Xi Jinping to develop infrastructure, would benefit all participating countries.
However, he clarified that the BRI implementation document has not yet been signed with Nepal due to the completion of some technical activities, but he expressed confidence that the agreement would be finalized within a few months.
“We place great importance on developing Nepal-China relations and are ready to further strengthen comprehensive cooperation between our countries, fostering everlasting friendly relations for the welfare of both peoples,” Ambassador Chen concluded.
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