The signing followed a bilateral meeting where the two neighbors discussed Nepal’s Post-Disaster Reconstruction Plan. Likewise, an exchange of letters for the handover of medical equipment to BP Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan took place on the sidelines.  

According to Sharma, the Chinese aid will be primarily utilized for the upgradation of the roads to Tatopani and Rasuwa, two points on the northern border with China.

“China has pledged to support Nepal’s reconstruction initiative, and we will be working together in several projects including the resettlement of displaced persons, education and health,” said Sharma, adding that the $10 million assistance was a gift.

Likewise, Deputy International Trade Representative Xiangchen said China would continue supporting Nepal to lift its status in the aftermath of the April 25 disaster, and that it would work closely with the government of Nepal and the general public. “We are committed to helping Nepal. We look forward to seeing Nepal take a prosperous path soon,” Xiangchen said.

According to the Finance Ministry, the meeting discussed ways to implement the China Grant Assistance Package Plan (2016-18) for Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction as announced by the Chinese government during the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction (ICNR).

Out of the $4.4 billion aid pledges received by Nepal during the ICNR for post-disaster reconstruction, China has promised $482.91 million (3 billion RMB) as grant support. China pledged a grant aid of Rs48 billion for Nepal’s post-earthquake recovery during the event.

The two countries also reviewed China’s emergency aid relief assistance to Nepal in the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquake and bilateral trade and economic cooperation. “The two sides have agreed to give high priority to the implementation of post-earthquake rehabilitation and reconstruction projects,” the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Sharma said that Nepal thanked China for its emergency relief assistance which was provided immediately after the devastating earthquake besides providing special cash assistance and other help for the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, including capacity building in the disaster prevention area and medical and public health assistance.