Kathmandu: A Chinese delegation led by Chen Xiaodong, the Chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), today called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel. During the meeting held at the Finance Ministry, matters relating to Nepal-China bilateral relations, development partnership and existing and future projects funded by China were discussed, according to the Minister Paudel’s Secretariat. During the meeting, the two sides signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) for various four projects which include the construction of a facility for bone marrow transplantation in Bharapur-based BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital and a feasibility study for the expansion of the Civil Hospital.
Finance Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyaya and the CIDCA Chair signed the MoU regarding these initiatives on behalf of their respective sides. Likewise, the MoU in regard with the human resources development was signed on the occasion. This will provide over 1,200 government employees with an opportunity to participate in bilateral and multi-lateral seminars to be organised by various China-based organisations. Similarly, Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Hitendra Dev Shakya and the CIDCA Chair singed on the minute regarding a feasibility study for the construction of Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Transnational Electricity Transmission line. China is to assist Nepal for the rebuilding of structure damaged by the recent flooding in Rasuwa district and in resumption of customs procedures. Stating that post-disaster recovery is Nepal’s top priority, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed gratitude to China for its concerns for rebuilding disaster- damaged physical infrastructure. “The Rusuwa customs point along the Nepal-China border is significant not only for import-export but also for the revenue collection,” he said, promising its reconstruction soon.
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