Kathmandu: China’s ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, today paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising, who also oversees the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport and the Urban Development. The meeting took place at the Singha Durbar-based Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the Chinese ambassador congratulated Minister Ghising on his appointment and expressed his best wishes for a successful term. The discussion centered on enhancing Nepal-China road and electricity connectivity. Both parties reviewed the progress of road and power projects being handled by Chinese construction companies, bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, the implementation status of China-funded projects, and Chinese investments in Nepal.
Minister Ghising highlighted the importance and sensitivity of the Kathmandu-Kodari (Araniko) and Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi roads, which connect Nepal and China. He noted the roads’ vulnerability to landslides and other disasters due to their geographical features and called for Chinese technological support to restore and strengthen these roadways for long-term sustainability. He also urged for the prompt commencement of work on the Kalanki-Basundhara section, funded by China.
The minister informed the Chinese envoy about the ongoing construction of multiple hydropower projects along the Arun River Corridor and sought Chinese support to build another transnational transmission line in Kimathanka. This move aims to make Nepal’s power market more competitive. Additionally, he expressed concerns over the unsatisfactory progress of the Kamala-Kanchanpur Project, contracted by a Chinese company, and hoped for Chinese assistance to accelerate development on the Narayangadh-Butwal and Muglin-Pokhara road sections.
In response, the Chinese ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to continue supporting Nepal, emphasizing priority areas. Officials from the Ministry of Physical Infrastructures and Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also in attendance at the meeting.