By Laxman Kafle
Kathmandu, Sept. 30:  The first virtual meeting of the joint working group on trade between Nepal and China on Tuesday agreed to take initiative for the implementation of the Transit Transport Agreement, 2016 and its protocol, 2019.
Prakash Dahal, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and Coordinator of the Joint Task Force on Nepal-China Trade, and Peng Gang, Director General of the Department of Asia Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, led the delegation on behalf of their respective governments.
The task force consisted of 11 delegates each from Nepal and the People's Republic of China.
According to Urmila KC, Deputy Spokesperson of the MoICS, the two countries agreed to take further initiative for the operationalisation of the Transit Transport Agreement, 2016 and its protocol, 2019 to boost trade and commerce of both the countries.
They agreed to build and facilitate trade infrastructure through mutual assistance and interdependence. The two sides also agreed to take all possible measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border between Nepal and China.
A positive discussion about increasing the Chinese investment in Nepal was also held on the occasion, KC told The Rising Nepal.
The officials of both the countries decided to exchange notes through diplomatic channels for smooth implementation of the issues put forward by both the parties.
The meeting also discussed about the construction of the border check station and dry port at Timure of Rasuwa, establishment of a laboratory for testing plant and animal products in Nepal, labeling of food items exported from Nepal to China, and upgrading and maintenance of the Syaphrubensi-Rasuwa road section.
Nepal also raised the issue of listing 188 plants, meat and other food items in the list of goods to be imported from Nepal in the customs administration of China, KC informed.
“We have requested the Chinese authorities for the construction of an integrated checkpoint at Korala border in Mustang district. The Chinese side has given positive response to the issue,” she said.
Smooth operation of Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi international border points between Nepal and China was also discussed in the meeting.
Likewise, in-depth discussions were held on different trade and investment issues, including establishment of cross-border economic zone near Nepal-China border and cooperation in trade infrastructure development. The two sides exchanged views on taking necessary initiatives for the implementation of these projects.