Nepal and China discussed infrastructure-related projects in Beijing on Wednesday during the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel.

Paudel is currently in China to attend the Global Sustainable Transport Forum. During the meeting between deputy prime minister and He Lifeng, vice-premier of China, on Wednesday, both leaders discussed various matters of bilateral relations including some infrastructure-related projects to be funded by China, according to a statement issued by the Nepali Embassy in Beijing.

Paudel discussed key infrastructure projects including the construction of Kerung-Kathmandu Railway, Tokha-Chhahare Tunnel; Kimathanka-Hile and Hilsa-Surkhet-Bhurigaon roads; Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology; and Damak Industrial Park, among others, the statement said.

The deputy prime minister and minister for finance also stressed the need for direct international flights from various Chinese cities to Bhairahawa and Pokhara international airports, said the statement.

These projects, which are expected to get funding from China, are awaiting the Chinese nod to execute. The feasibility studies of some projects that Paudel and He discussed are completed while others have yet to complete other processes.

During the meeting, Vice-premier He assured the Nepali delegation that the Chinese government would accelerate the execution of previously announced projects, according to a press note issued by the finance minister’s secretariat. The Chinese vice-premier expressed his commitment to further supporting Nepal.

Mahesh Bhattarai, spokesperson for the ministry, said the Chinese government responded positively to Nepal’s requests and committed to advancing the projects discussed.

Expressing happiness over the excellent longstanding bilateral relations, Paudel expressed the need to expedite the implementation of agreements for further deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In the meeting, according to the embassy, He underscored the importance of implementing the agreements to further strengthen bilateral ties. He also expressed the desire to expedite the development projects including infrastructure, transport and connectivity.

Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), will call on Paudel on Thursday and will discuss the projects with China's external aid agency.

The Chinese external aid agency is executing some projects in 15 northern districts of Nepal. Some other projects in the pipeline are the second phase of ring road expansion in Kathmandu (8. 2 kilometres from Kalanki to Maharajgunj), upgrading to double lane the Humla-Simikot road, construction of the integrated check post and inland clearance depot at Korola point in Mustang and maintenance and feasibility study of flood control along the Araniko Highway.

An agreement between the Ministry of Finance and China’s CIDCA was signed on August 22 in Kathmandu to execute these four projects.

Following the meeting, Paudel delivered a statement at the opening ceremony of the “Global Sustainable Transport Forum.” In his address, he emphasised the importance of developing a sustainable and reliable transport system to boost connectivity, economic growth, and quality of life. He stated that efficient transport infrastructure is a key determinant of competitiveness, especially for a landlocked country like Nepal. The government has made significant progress in expanding road networks and electric vehicle adoption, he claimed.

He also highlighted collaboration with international partners including China. He hailed the private sector as the key to achieving an efficient, accessible and sustainable transport future. He stated that Nepal envisions improving rural transport access; enhancing road safety; and exploring innovative solutions like podway systems while focusing on energy transition.

Paudel and the Nepali team reached Beijing on Tuesday. During the meeting with He, the finance minister was accompanied by Surendra Kumar Yadav, Charge d’affaires; Mahesh Bhattarai, joint-secretary from the Ministry of Finance, and other officials of the government of Nepal. The Chinese side included Li Xiaopeng, the minister for transport; Mu Peng, vice-mayor of Beijing Municipal People's Government; Fei Dongbin, director general of the National Railway Administration; Song Zhiyong, director general of the Civil Aviation Administration of China; and other senior officials of the government of China, according to the embassy’s statement.