International donor agencies have shown interest to work with the government of province-5 to conserve historical and cultural sites in Nepal, sources said on Wednesday.

This interest follows Nepal adopting federal governing system.

Officials of provincial government and the donors have held discussions on these topics over the past few weeks, sources said.

British Ambassador to Nepal Richard Morris, Department for International Development (DFID) Nepal chief Rurik Marsden, representatives of World Bank and China-Nepal Culture Exchange Centre have met with Chief Minister (CM) Shankar Pokharel separately at different times.

Donor agencies are mainly interested in the conservation of historical and cultural sites, environment and develop agricultural sectors.

Nepal’s province 5 has important archeological sites, and has scope for developing agriculture, tourism and environment.

The Chinese team expressed keenness to work with the provincial government for the conservation and promotion of historically important places like Lumbini, Ramgram and Tilaurakot. Birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in Rupandehi district of Province-5

Vice-chairperson of China-Nepal Culture Exchange Centre Men Wei met with CM Pokharel on Monday and held talks for the conservation and promotion of Ramgram that lies on the Buddha Circuit. The Chinese team is also interested to explore and extract minerals.

Dr Sagar Neupane, who facilitates the Chinese team, said its panel met with CM Pokharel to know details about the priority sectors of the provincial government and aid for the same.

“The Chinese team is interested in giving aid for the preservation and promotion of Lumbini area. During the meeting, the CM sought their help after identifying the sectors for investment once the required laws are passed,” said Neupane.

“The first important thing for the province now is enacting laws. We will enact laws and indentify the areas of investment. We shall then urge donors for aid,” said CM Pokharel.

Pokharel’s Personal Secretary Saroj Kafle said the donors are keen to co-ordinate with the government for development work. He quoted the British envoy saying, “He was impatient to work together with the provincial executive”.

As per the existing legal provisions, provincial governments need to take permission of the federal government to receive foreign assistance.

Province 5 has taken tourism and agriculture as the important bases for the development and prosperity of the province.