Nepalese PM advised to prioritise major deals in China

Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has been advised by senior officials to prioritise bilateral cooperation deals during his upcoming visit to China, the media reported on Monday.

At a meeting called by Oli on Sunday evening for suggestions ahead of his China visit which begins on March 20, the officials suggested that Nepal should give priority to developing long-term cooperation with China, Xinhua news agency reported.

Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai emphasised the significance of seeking economic cooperation in the fields of trade, infrastructure development and foreign direct investment in Nepal from China.

Madhav Prasad Ghimire, a former foreign minister, was of the view that the Nepalese leadership should talk to the Chinese side about Nepal's need to diversify its commerce and trade.

"People have high expectations from your visit to China this time. Our trade and commerce need to be diversified as per the changed context," Ghimire said.

Another former foreign minister, Prakash Chandra Lohani said the prime minister should make efforts towards finalising the Transit and Transportation Agreement as well as an agreement on importing petroleum and gas.

Responding to the suggestions from the former officials, the prime minister said that he wants to take bilateral relationship with China to a greater height.

"The prime minister said that his visit will be fruitful in enhancing bilateral ties. He is hopeful that this visit will add a new avenue in fostering our excellent bilateral relationship," the prime minister's foreign relations expert Gopal Khanal said.