Third meeting of China-Nepal Coordination Mechanism on Border Trade and Cooperation held

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Jan 27: The third meeting of the China-Nepal Coordination Mechanism on border trade and cooperation reached broad agreements on enhancing bilateral trade, improving connectivity, and strengthening cross-border cooperation.

Held in Lhasa, Xizang Autonomous Region (XAR), from January 20 to 21, the meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of the Government of Nepal and Zhao Peng, Vice Chairman of the Xizang People's Government.

Both sides agreed to move forward with discussions on key frameworks, such as the 1981 Trade and Payment Agreement, simplifying border passes, speeding up the construction of the Tokha Chhahare Tunnel, setting quotas for fertilizer imports, extending China's zero-tariff policy after Nepal's graduation for the LDC status, and improving vehicle rerouting during disasters, stated the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa in its press release on January 21.

To improve border operations, the two sides agreed to effectively carry out the Nepal-China Border Transp011 Agreement to enhancing bilateral trade by reducing time and cost of trade. Both sides agreed to promote trade using a green channel for Nepali silage expo1ts with risk-based inspections, along with better lab testing, data sharing, vehicle movement, and improvements in jute exports. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to border law enforcement for security, read the press release.

Both sides reached a mutual understanding regarding the proposal for the Kimanthangka road-bridge-Inland Clearance Depot (ICD), which will be pursued through diplomatic channels. Discussions also covered moving forward with the Jilong (Rasuwa) ICD, building a new Lizi (Mustang) ICD, speeding up the Hilsa-Simikot Road, easing customs procedures at the Lizi port, and appreciating China's support for the Rasuwagadhi-Syaphrubesi Road, according to the press release.

"For investment and tourism, Nepal welcomed the idea of a sister-city link between Jilong and a rural municipality of Rasuwa district, and requested for a formal proposal. Both sides agreed to task the Nepal-China's Xizang Joint Tourism Coordination Committee (JTCC) to develop an action plan for a Jilong-Rasuwa Trans-border Tourism Zone and Nepali side proposed a joint high-level visit for the next phase of the Nepal-China Agricultural High-Tech Park."

In broader cooperation, both sides agreed to implement the concept of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, resuming bus service between Kathmandu and Lhasa, improving quality and safety of goods through training, recognizing each other's medical qualifications, and strengthening ties in traditional medicine.

Both sides agreed to hold the fou1th meeting in Kathmandu on a mutually agreed time.

The Nepali delegation, headed by Secretary Dr. Ghimire, was treated to a banquet hosted by Zhao Peng, Vice Chairman of the People's Government of Xizang Autonomous Region of PRC.

Senior officials from the Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the Ministry of Finance, Nepal Rastra Bank made up the Nepali delegation. The Chinese delegation included senior officials from the Department of Commerce, the Foreign Affairs Office, China Customs, and other government agencies in China's XAR.