The four-day China Trade Fair kicked off here in Kathmandu on Friday. The trade fair is aimed at promoting Chinese products in Nepal and exploring possibilities of Chinese investment in Nepal, organisers said.
The trade fair is jointly organised by the People’s Republic of China and the Nepal-China Executive Council.
Addressing the inaugural function at the Birendra International Convention Centre, cabinet vice-chairman Kirti Nidhi Bista, said that agro-processing, vegetable farming, pharmaceuticals, hydropower and tourism sectors were some of the areas China could put money on.
“Chinese products contribute only 4.1 percent of the total import portfolio of Nepal while Nepal’s export to China in the fiscal year 2003-04 was even less, standing at 0.2 per cent. These figures indicate the trade between the two countries is still waiting to be integrated,” Bista said.
The event coincides with the golden jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal.
Speaking at inaugural function, Sun Heping, Chinese ambassador to Nepal, said the ties between China and Nepal have consolidated over the last 50 years. “The rise in export from China has been observed in the last few years and the recent agreement to link Lhasa and Kathmandu by a bus service will also help boost business between the two countries,” Heping said.
Chinese electronic appliances, computers, vehicles, motorcycles, furniture, clothes, domestic utensils, among others are on display at the trade fair where 65 business stalls of the five Chinese companies are participating.
