Attract more Chinese tourists: Chinese envoy

Chinese ambassador of to Nepal Wu Chuntai has stressed the need to promote tourism in Nepal, targeting Chinese tourists. “It is good to note that the number of Chinese tourists to Nepal has increased by 35 percent. Nepal can reduce trade deficit with China by attracting Chinese tourists in large numbers,” Wu said, addressing the 13th annual general meeting of Nepal China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCCI) on Monday. The Chinese envoy also said Nepal can take benefit from tourism by increasing the stay of Chinese tourists in Nepal. Wu, however, expressed satisfaction over the growth of trade between Nepal and China over the first ten months of the current fiscal year. According to Trade and Export Promotion Center (TEPC), Nepal´s exports to China increased by 164 percent during the period while imports increased by around 29 percent. However, Nepal´s trade deficit with China increased to Rs 54 billion during the review period from Rs 42 billion recorded in the same period last year. Wu also stressed the need to strengthen relation between private sectors of both the countries to explore new avenues for promoting bi-lateral trade and investment. Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Foreign Affairs Madhav Prasad Ghimire said the government had laid high emphasis on economic diplomacy, by activating Nepalese missions and bi-national chambers of commerce and industry to promote Nepal´s economic relation with major countries. “We are planning to activate the bi-national chambers in the country besides mobilizing our missions abroad to strengthen ties with our trade partners,” added Ghimire. He also stressed the need to develop infrastructure and bring more investment in IT, hydropower and tourism sectors. Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, president of NCCCI, sought Chinese support to remove existing hurdles in bi-lateral trade. Similarly, Bhaskar Raj Rajkarnikar, acting president of Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), urged both private sector and the government to sincerely implement the commitment made on their behalf for promoting bi-lateral trade. Source: republica