KATHMANDU: Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development Minister Kulman Ghising held a courtesy meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song today.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport in Singha Durbar, saw Ambassador Song congratulating the newly appointed Minister Ghising and wishing him success in his tenure.
Discussions focused on Nepal-China road and electricity transmission connectivity, progress on road and hydropower projects contracted to Chinese construction firms, cooperation in the energy sector, implementation of Chinese-aided projects, and Chinese investment in Nepal.
Minister Ghising highlighted the strategic importance of the Kathmandu–Kodari (Araniko) and Syapru-Bensi–Rasuwa-Gadhi roads, noting that landslides and fragile terrain pose risks. He requested technical support from China to repair and maintain these roads for sustainable operation.
He also urged the prompt commencement of the Kalanki–Basundhara section under Chinese grant funding as part of the Kathmandu Valley Ring Road expansion. Regarding the Arun River corridor, where several hydropower projects are under construction, he requested support to build an additional cross-border transmission line from Kimathanka to make Nepal’s electricity market more competitive.
Minister Ghising also raised concerns over the unsatisfactory progress of the Kamala–Kanchanpur project, contracted to a Chinese company, and requested facilitation to accelerate work on the Narayanghat–Butwal and Muglin–Pokhara road expansion projects.
Ambassador Song reaffirmed China’s readiness to continue supporting Nepal based on the country’s priorities.
The meeting was attended by Ministry Secretary Keshav Kumar Sharma, Development Assistance Coordination and Quality Division Chief Sushil Babu Dhakal, Department of Roads Director General Vijay Jaisi, and Deputy Secretary Manhari Dangal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Northeast Asia Division.
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