Chairman of the National Assembly Narayan Dahal is leading a large delegation to China in July to take part in an event entitled, “Beyond the Himalayas: Schedule for the Yushu International Nepal Trade Exchange Series on the 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Nepal.”

The delegation is expected to have around 22 members including ministers and National Assembly members and others, according to a source privy to the development. This will be Dahal’s first official visit to China since being elected chairman of the National Assembly in March 2024.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, and to further strengthen friendly cooperation between the two countries and promote cultural and trade exchanges, the Yushu International Nepal Trade Exchange Series is to commemorate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in Yushu city of Qinghai province.

Dilli Malla, press coordinator to Dahal, told the Post that a delegation led by Dahal will be visiting China but the date has been deferred. Originally it was scheduled to start from July 10, but due to the busy business schedule of the National Assembly, the visit was deferred. “Some National Assembly members will also join,” said Malla, adding, “We have not received the new date.”

The delegation will take part in the opening of the event “Silk Road and Embarking on a New Journey Together,” where leaders and officials from both sides will review the seven-decade journey in areas like political, economic, and cultural fields and explore new opportunities under the "Belt and Road" initiative, among others, according to the available details.

Of late China is actively inviting party leaders, party delegations, officials, media persons, members of think tanks and others to China and showcasing its progress, and development.

The Dahal-led delegation will also attend an event highlighting how logistical cooperation can support the promotion of China-Nepal trade. Logistics vehicles loaded with goods will depart from the city, symbolising a new phase in China-Nepal logistics collaboration and enhancing the efficiency and convenience of bilateral trade, according to a brief itinerary of the visit. Despite an agreement between Nepal and China to use seven Chinese sea and land ports, there has been no concrete progress on importing goods from third countries via China.

Representatives from Chinese and Nepali businesses, trade experts, and government officials will engage in in-depth discussions on logistical issues during the visit. They will analyse the current status, characteristics, and challenges of Nepal-China trade.

Representatives from various government companies will share their experiences and challenges related to trade collaboration between the two countries, as well as recent policy measures, investment environments, and support services intended to promote trade cooperation. The aim, according to organisers, is to encourage enterprises from both countries to seize opportunities and expand areas of cooperation.

A sizeable number of Nepali traders and businessmen will display Nepali products that are currently being exported to China. In this connection, an exhibition is also organised to showcase special Nepali products, including exquisite handicrafts that reflect Nepal’s rich artisanal traditions, colorful fabrics, and more. High-quality products from Yushu and other regions of China will also be on display, including Tibetan carpets, cordyceps (yarsagumba, the caterpillar fungus), and other specialty agricultural products, as well as crafts and garments with traditional Chinese cultural features.

Altogether 200 Nepali traders and members of the business community will take part in the exhibition.