Aimed at strengthening trade and investment between Nepal and China, the business communities of these two countries have agreed to share expertise, experiences and information that can be helpful for promoting the economic cooperation.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandi Raj Dhakal (right) and vice-chairman of the All China Federation of Industry and Commerce Zhang Logzhi signing the memorandum of the 9th meeting of the Nepal?China Non-Governmental Cooperation Forum in Kathmandu, Wednesday, June 13 07. nepalnews.com/rh

At the end of the ninth annual meeting of the Nepal-China Non-Governmental Forum held in Kathmandu Wednesday, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) Chandi Raj Dhakal and vice-chairman of the All China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC) Zhang Longzhi signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) expressing commitment to improve bilateral trade and investment for mutual benefit.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhakal said there was a need to increase bilateral trade, promote tourism and explore the possibilities of Chinese investment in Nepal. According to him, Chinese entrepreneurs had shown interest to invest in Nepal.

Zhang said the Chinese business community was ready to share its experiences of economic development with Nepali entrepreneurs as well as strengthen trade and investment cooperation with Nepal.

He also stressed the need for separate discussions and interactions between Nepali and Chinese business communities before the annual meetings of the forum are held so that the efforts of the forum to promote bilateral economic cooperation would become fruitful.

Earlier today, the delegation of Chinese industrialists met with Finance Minister Dr Ram Sharan Mahat, Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan and Industry and Commerce Minister Rajendra Mahato.

The two-day meeting ended with agreement to promote bilateral trade, tourism and investment, enhance cooperation in sectors like industry, tourism, hydropower, herbal medicine, agriculture, construction, infrastructure, communication and handicrafts. FNCCI and ACFIC also agreed to promote a ‘mini Nepal pavilion’ in Jiuzhaigou.

Next meeting will be held next year in China.