KATHMANDU, Dec 2: The Nepal Government has approved projects totaling USD 20 million in grant assistance from China, coinciding with Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s first official visit since taking office for the fourth time.
Minister for Information and Communication Prithvi Subba Gurung informed the media on Sunday that the Council of Ministers expressed its hopes for a successful visit and sanctioned the acceptance of grant assistance amounting to USD 20 million, equivalent to 2.70 billion Nepalese Rupees.
Additionally, the Cabinet has agreed to accept projects valued at 300 million Chinese Yuan (approximately USD 4.13 million or 5.60 billion Nepalese Rupees) proposed by the Chinese government, as noted by spokesperson Gurung.
During Oli’s visit to China, discussions will encompass a range of projects including the Tokha-Khahare Tunnel Road, the construction of a Special Economic Zone at the Corala border point in Mustang, road development at Kimathanka in Shankhuwasabha, and a feasibility study for a railway line in Rasuwagadhi, along with the expansion of the second phase of the Kathmandu Ring Road and the initiation of bone marrow services at Chitawan Cancer Hospital, mentioned Gurung.
On Monday, Oli began a four-day official trip to China, marking his first visit to any neighboring country in his current term, which includes planned discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on various bilateral matters.
This visit is a departure from the norm, as Nepali prime ministers typically first visit India after assuming office, with the exception of former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, who visited China before India in 2008. (PTI)
